News

U.S. gauging interest in 2024 Olympic bid
U.S. gauging interest in 2024 Olympic bid

(Reuters) – The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) sent letters to the mayors of 35 American cities on Tuesday to gauge their interest in bidding for the 2024 Summer Games.

Having mended fences with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) following a bitter revenue-sharing dispute the United States appears ready to again make a run at hosting an Olympic Games after two stunning rejections.

New York, a losing finalist for the 2012 Summer Games, and Chicago, which made a shock first-round exit in voting for the 2016 Olympics, are among the 35 cities canvassed by the USOC.

The letter signed by USOC chief executive officer Scott Blackmun was sent to the mayors of America’s 25 largest cities plus 10 others that have expressed interest in hosting a Games.

The USOC emphasized that reaching out to potential host cities does not guarantee the U.S. will bid for the 2024 Games, but rather is an initial step, in evaluating a potential bid.

Based on expected IOC deadlines, the USOC said it has a little over two years to decide whether to submit a bid.

“We would like to begin having discussions with interested cities about possible bid themes as well as the infrastructure, financial resources and other assets that are required to host the Games,” wrote Blackmun.

“Our objective in this process is to identify a partner city that can work with us to present a compelling bid to the IOC and that has the right alignment of political, business and community leadership.”

Atlanta was the last U.S. city to host a Summer Games in 1996 while Salt Lake City staged the 2002 Winter Games.

Recent Headlines

williams2

Dominant Williams fearful of enemy within

Based on form, Serena Williams is a stand-out favorite to win a second French Open title.

lebron-james2

James saves Miami in last-gasp win over Indiana

LeBron James scored the game-winning points in the dying embers of overtime.

sergio-garcia2

Garcia apologizes for 'fried chicken' jibe at Woods

Sergio Garcia has apologized after a "fried chicken" jibe aimed at Tiger Woods.

superbowl2

NFL owners choose sites for 2016, 2017 Super Bowls

NFL team owners voted for the two sites to host Super Bowls in 2016 and 2017.

NBA2

Cavs win right to first pick in NBA Draft

The Cavaliers won the NBA Draft Lottery and the top overall pick for the second time in three years.