Chicago's Olympic logo smoked out
FALSE START | Cities can't use torch, so bid team has to start over
Chicago's Olympic torch has been snuffed out by the International Olympic Committee.
The IOC has ordered Chicago to redesign its 2016 Olympic logo and leave out the torch, which was tailor-made to capture the city's three major assets: Lake Michigan, the parks and the breathtaking skyline.
The IOC has ordered Chicago to redesign its 2016 Olympic logo and leave out the torch, which was tailor-made to capture the city's three major assets: Lake Michigan, the parks and the breathtaking skyline.
The edict was included in IOC rules published Wednesday to govern the 2016 selection process. It states that city logos "shall not contain the Olympic symbol, the Olympic motto, the Olympic flag, any other Olympic-related imagery [such as] flame, torch, medal, etc."
(Sun-Times illustration)
The edict was included in IOC rules published Wednesday to govern the 2016 selection process. It states that city logos "shall not contain the Olympic symbol, the Olympic motto, the Olympic flag, any other Olympic-related imagery [such as] flame, torch, medal, etc."
The bottom line is that Chicago's logo must be trashed in favor of a new one. Whatever billboards, T-shirts and stationery that are still left over bearing that symbol will be deep-sixed, as well.
"The IOC is always doing what they feel is best to protect and advance the Olympic movement. Our goals are the same. We don't see this as a setback. We understand the ruling. We're happy to move forward with a new logo in the international stage," said Chicago 2016 spokesman Patrick Sandusky.
USOC spokesman Darryl Seibel said it may not be the only time Chicago's 2016 Summer Olympics logo is redesigned. "If Chicago ultimately prevails in 2009, it will have to develop a new logo at that point, as well. This is not in any way unprecedented, nor is it a major complication. The logo is not permissible. The important thing is we comply with IOC rules."
Dana Arnett, a principal with Chicago-based VSA Partners who helped design the logo pro bono, could not be reached for comment on the IOC ruling.
On the day the logo was unveiled at Millennium Park, Arnett said he was trying to create a "memorable symbol the city can rally around" that inspires people to "get on the bandwagon."
The logo was unveiled by Mayor Daley and Chicago 2016 Chairman Pat Ryan on the stage of the Pritzker Pavilion with the Olympic theme song playing in the background.
The red-to-orange-to-gold flame of the torch was an amalgam of the Chicago skyline with the Sears Tower in the middle. It reflected Chicago's world-renowned architecture and what Daley called the "great energy" of a city that rose from the ashes of the 1871 Chicago Fire.
The blue-to-green handle reflected Lake Michigan and Chicago's park system, including Millennium Park. The handle underscored the city's commitment to the environment.
The entire logo reflected Chicago's commitment to host what Ryan calls a "compact and central" Olympic Games focused on the "athlete experience."
Daley said he expected the logo to start "showing up all around" Chicago.
Now it's back to the drawing board.