Olympic hopes take Daley to Istanbul

Mayor Daley has traveled the world to promote Chicago’s bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. He’s about to pile up even more frequent-flier miles.

On Thursday, the mayor will fly to Istanbul, Turkey for a meeting of the European Olympic Committee.

The International Olympic Committee is divided into five regions. There are more IOC members at the European meeting than at any of the other regions, possibly as many as 40. Sixty votes are needed to win.

"It’s not critical that a government leader be at each of these meetings. But it’s important to be at some of them. We have very strong support from Mayor Daley and city government. It’s important that he be here to demonstrate that strong partnership," Chicago 2016 Chairman Pat Ryan said in a telephone interview from Istanbul.

Ryan said the timing of Chicago’s European pitch could not be better. It comes just weeks after favorite son Barack Obama was elected president.

"The Obama election has been helpful in that it’s putting a very bright spotlight on Chicago. The acceptance speech in Grant Park, the multi-culturalism and passion of the people, the outstanding acceptance speech resonated around the world. The fact that President-elect Obama is managing the transition from Chicago continues to put a spotlight on Chicago," Ryan said.

The IOC will meet in Copenhagen on Oct. 2, 2009 to choose between Chicago, Tokyo, Madrid and Rio de Janeiro. Barring unforeseen circumstances, Ryan said he has "reason to believe" Obama will be in Copenhagen to help Chicago seal the deal.

"He’s been so very supportive of our bid since the early days of our domestic competition," Ryan said, pointing to the video made by then-Illinois Sen. Barack Obama.

The bid book that includes Chicago’s final plan — including all venues and budgets and a new plan for the Olympic Village — is due in the IOC’s hands on Feb. 20. But Ryan said he plans to take the wraps off the final plan in mid-December.

That’s when the Olympic organizing committee will respond to an IOC report card that said Chicago's construction costs "appear low," characterized as "optimistic" projected operating revenues counted on to cover expenses and questioned the state of public transportation in Chicago.

Daley's trip is being paid for Chicago 2016, not with city funds.