Chicago 2016?!

Representatives from four cities met in Switzerland this week to make a case to host the 2016 Summer Olympics. The cities that made presentations to International Olympic Committee (IOC) were Chicago, Tokyo, Madrid and Rio De Janeiro.

According to the ESPN article, all of the countries' economic plans for the multi-billion dollar projects were heavily scrutinized due to the current state of the economy, especially Chicago. With America slowly recovering from the economic crisis of late 2008, IOC officials were sure to pay close attention to Chicago's plans.

If Chicago were to be selected to host, it would be the first time the Games would be hosted in the United States since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Hosting the Olympics would be a huge boost to the Chicago economy, as it would provide an estimated $2.7 billion in revevue. Luckily, Chicago has secured a $500 million insurance investment in order to relieve local taxpayers.

Chicago 2016 has even gained support from former Illinois Senator and current U.S. President Barack Obama. The Chicago Olympic campaign hopes that Obama will vote in IOC election. Although the presentations this week were very formal, the final vote for the Summer 2016 host will not be held until this October.