This weekend’s Chicago Marathon is being dedicated to promote Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games while bid executives are in Acapulco Mexico at the PASO annual congress lobbying for the bid.
Mary Jo Herseth, a Bank of America executive, said at a press conference Thursday to promote the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, “with this dedication, and by integrating many Olympic elements into race day, we felt this was a unique way to expand on our financial support and leadership to the city’s exciting endeavour.
Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley said at the press conference, “I applaud Bank of America for dedicating this year’s race to Chicago’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It is wonderful that Bank of America and its family has demonstrated support for our bid by inviting Olympians to play a number of honorary roles during the marathon”.
Chicago 2016’s director of venues and game operations Doug Arnot said having the mayor’s support is essential. “We’re very fortunate to have somebody who understands the importance of the Olympic Games and what it can mean to the city and to the country and the world”.
He reportedly said Chicago 2016 continues to receive ongoing support from the corporate community in the city and across the nation. “We are happy Chicago 2016 and Bank of America could work on so many activities together to engage runners, spectators and to rally the entire community around the nation on this bid”.
