“Blame it on Rio!”  In the wake of the heartbreaking news that my home city of Chicago has been eliminated in the initial voting to host the 2016 Summer Games, I have to say that I am excited that we have lost to such a wonderful city.  Rio de Janeiro’s selection to host the games is an historic moment not only for the games, but also for the entire continent of South America.  This will be the first time that any city on the continent has been selected to host the Olympics be they summer or winter, and it is long past time that the people of the continent have the opportunity to show their brilliant heritage, culture, and hospitality to the world.  I do not mind that my City has lost so much because I know that we are not lessened by not being selected.  The city of Chicago will survive, and will continue to be the crowned jewel of the North American Midwest.  Chicago remains an international City that is renowned for its culture, sports and one of the most beautiful skylines not situated on a body of saltwater. 

   If there is any disappointment as a Chicagoan for me, it is that we lost in the first round.  But I have always said that if we are to lose, I would have it that we lose to the greatest of contenders, and that is what has happened.  Rio is one of the oldest cities in the Americas and is the only new world city that has been the capitol of a European Empire (Portuguese Empire from 1808 to 1821).  The country of Brazil’s rich sporting history has few rivals in Football (Soccer to U.S. Citizens), Volleyball and track and field and now this great competitive history will have a home within their greatest city. 

    The games will be back dropped by Rio’s stunning scenery and will be opened by a city that renews the definition of pageantry every year when it celebrates Carnival. No city in the world displays such festivity, or comes alive with such incredible color as Rio. It is my belief that the 2016 games will be remembered for generations by the world for setting the bar for opening and closing Ceremonies that will not only dwarf the efforts of China’s brilliant display, but will render it bland. Rio does this every year; they dance and explode into color and dazzle the planet with their imagination and rhythm. As a Chicagoan born and raised I am disappointed that my home will not be a host of the games within my life time, but I do not blame this on the efforts of the presentation team, or the political figures and celebrities that were part of the presentation. If there is something to be blamed at all it would be the fact that the U.S. has hosted the games many times in the past and South America has never hosted the games. It is time for Rio, Chicago will have its day, unfortunately I will not live to see it, but I am cool with that. Chicago has given me a rich and rounded view of my planet while lending me the attitude, graciousness, and intestinal fortitude to say; It’s time for Rio, my country had its time…It’s their turn. I do not blame it on Rio, I welcome the day that they host, and can not wait to see what that wonderful city will present to the world.

Viva Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Host!