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Even a delayed arrival caused by poor weather elsewhere couldn't dampen the Bay Area's enthusiasm for hosting the USOC's Bid Evaluation Task Force July 14–15.
Demonstrating that we can be the best partner and best team for the USOC, Bay Area elected, business & community leaders, Olympians, Paralympians and supporters turned out in force throughout the weekend to welcome the Task Force to the Bay Area.
July 14th, Day One – The Best Bid for the Athletes
Proving our team spirit and flexibility, BASOC worked fast to adapt the first day's schedule to reflect the late arrival. Greeted by BASOC leaders at the San Jose Jet Center, the USOC was taken to Stanford University's Kissick Auditorium at the Arrillaga Family Sports Center. There, the USOC Task Force members were welcomed by Stanford University President John Hennessey, Stanford Athletic Director & BASOC Executive Committee Member Ted Leland and dozens of Stanford Olympians, Paralympians and coaches.
At Stanford, the USOC also got a high-tech 'fly-through' presentation of the planned state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly Olympic Village at Moffett Field, a presentation from Stanford Professor Don Chu on BASOC's plans for an 'Academic Olympiad' in the years leading up to the 2012 Olympic Games and a powerful 'surprise' presentation of letters of endorsement for SF2012 by 14 current and past U.S. Olympic swimming and track & field coaches.
'The San Francisco Bay Area is the best place for the athletes of the world in 2012,' said Richard Quick, Stanford's Swimming Coach and five-time U.S. Olympic Swimming Coach, as he handed USOC Task Force Chair Charles Moore the endorsement letters.
Following a quick walking tour of the Olympic Park environment that already exists at Stanford University -- proposed site of Opening & Closing Ceremonies, Track & Field, Swimming, Diving, Softball, Archery, Badminton & Modern Pentathlon – the USOC was taken to the top of Stanford's historic Hoover Tower for a panoramic view of the beautiful campus and the entire San Francisco Bay Area.
San Francisco Bay Area to USOC: ' Leave Your Heart in San Francisco'
The first day ended with a beautiful reception atop the Westin St. Francis Hotel on Union Square – courtesy of the San Francisco Convention & Visitor's Bureau and the Westin St. Francis Hotel. Joined by hundreds of Bay Area business, community, elected, non-profit and other leaders, the USOC got a taste – literally – of all the Bay Area has to offer the world for the 2012 Olympic Games. Bay Area Olympians and Paralympians turned out in force for the event, impressing the USOC with their genuine commitment to and involvement in the bid. As the sun set over the Golden Gate, with the glittering City skyline behind them, speakers -- including San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown, California Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante and San Francisco Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi -- welcomed the USOC to the Bay Area and promised to be the best partner – and the best team – for the USOC in the international phase of the process.
'We will keep our promises to you,' said Congresswoman Pelosi, House Democratic Whip and the first woman in history to serve in the leadership of the United States Congress.
July 15th, Day Two – The Best Bid to Win Internationally for America
To make up for time lost the day before, Day Two began at 7 a.m. at San Francisco's historic City Hall, with a multi-media presentation on the San Francisco Bay Area's bid by BASOC leaders and San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown. Mayor Brown then walked the USOC under the Great Dome of City Hall (taller even than the U.S. Capitol Dome!) up to his office and into the International Room, where gifts to the City and County of San Francisco from leaders and nations around the world are displayed. Surrounded by sculptures and works of art from around the world, the Mayor discussed San Francisco and the Bay Area's historic ties and strong relationships with leaders and peoples from Asia, Latin America, Europe and Africa. The USOC then breakfasted with BASOC's Board of Directors at the San Francisco Hyatt, where BASOC President & CEO Anne Cribbs touted the Bay Area's enthusiasm for hosting the 2012 Olympic Games – and for being part of a winning team for America with the USOC.
'We will be your best partner as we move forward – together – to win internationally and return the Olympic Games to the United States in 2012,' said Cribbs, a 1960 Olympian.
A day of rigorous question and answer sessions with the USOC in the Del Monte company boardroom paused only briefly for lunch – on the waters of beautiful San Francisco Bay. A 'boat's-eye-view' venue tour originally planned for the day before – but postponed because of the late arrival – was rescheduled for Monday afternoon. The USOC lunched aboard the 'California Spirit' – courtesy of Signature Events – while Bid Director Bob Stiles pointed out venues along San Francisco's waterfront, including Aquatic Park (triathlon), Treasure Island (sailing), Marina Green (road cycling) and Pacific Bell Park (baseball). Stiles also unveiled graphic images and plans for 'The Olympic Way' along San Francisco's waterfront – a promenade of 'hospitality houses' and exhibitions from nations around the world that will draw spectators and visitors during and for months before the 2012 Olympic Games.
Before returning to Del Monte to close the afternoon Q&A, the USOC docked at McCovey Cove at Pacific Bell Park. Giving the USOC an emotional welcome at home plate were Giants owner Peter Magowan, the Giants staff and Giants legends Willie McCovey and Willie Mays.
'It's not often you get to meet a living legend,' said a moved Ann Swisshelm, 2002 Olympic Curler and USOC Task Force member.
'An Exceptional Bid'
The visit ended with a press conference atop the Bank of America Center – courtesy of supporter Bank of America -- with USOC Task Force Chair Charles Moore, Vice Chair Herman Frazier, Mayor Willie Brown, BASOC President & CEO Anne Cribbs and BASOC Board of Directors Co-Chair Jim Woolwine, President & CEO of Golden Gate Bank. Many Olympians & Paralympians – including Bay Area native and figure skating champion Kristi Yamaguchi – attended the press conference as well.
'Your bid city team understands what it takes to win, and you've carried it forward,' said Moore. 'This is a fine bid…It may even be an exceptional bid…this bid doesn't have any shortcomings…and for that – I congratulate you,' Moore concluded.
San Francisco Bay Area 2012 Olympic Games -- The Best Invitation to the World
The Bay Area Sports Organizing Committee and the leaders of San Francisco 2012 want to thank the hundreds of individuals, companies, organizations and community leaders who contributed to such a successful site visit by the USOC.
With a 'brand' and icons that resonate positively around the world, our outstanding weather and climate, our 80% existing facilities and presence of over 400 Olympians in Northern California, the San Francisco Bay Area is the best bid for the athletes, the financially responsible bid and the best candidate to win internationally.
The San Francisco Bay Area is the best invitation America can offer to the world for the 2012 Olympic Games and we will be the best partner and the best team for the USOC at the international level of the competition.
And it's because of our team – our team of literally thousands of individuals, companies and organizations from throughout the Bay Area who have given their time, their talent and their money – that the San Francisco Bay Area will be chosen U.S. Candidate on November 3. Thanks for your continued support!
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