April 8, 2009
Members of No Games Chicago met today at the Fairmont Hotel with six representatives of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday afternnon. Following a number of actions aimed at pressuring the IOC to take note of community disapproval of the bid, the thirty minute meeting occurred on the last day of the IOC’s review of Chicago as potential host city. As Lori Healy and Arnold Randall of the Chicago 2016 Bid Committee silently observed as Bob Quellos of No Games Chicago and Willie JR Fleming of the Olympic Project for Human Rights at Chicago discussed the poor economic situation Chicago is in as a potential host city, with astronomical budget deficits on the city and state levels. In addition, the notorious and publicly embarrassing corruption at various levels of Chicago and Illinois politics were discussed, as well as the long history of the mismanagement and cost overruns related to mega-construction projects, including Millennium Park, the Block 37 “super-station,” the CHA Plan for Transformation, Soldier Field, and more. No Games concluded their presentation by urging the IOC to read and consider Chicago Reader journalist Ben Joravsky’s “An Open Letter to the IOC.” The IOC representatives reportedly promised to read the article, listened intently, took copious notes and were very appreciative of the information shared. Also present were two members of Housing Bronzeville.
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