Olympics 2016

Daley Heads To Beijing For Summer Olympics

Mayor To Examine Transportation, Security

CHICAGO (CBS) ― Mayor Richard M. Daley embarks Monday on an eight-day trip to Beijing for the opening of the Summer Olympics.

While Daley is looking forward to viewing portions of the swimming, volleyball, boxing, fencing and gymnastics competitions there is much more that he wants to see.

The trip gives Daley and Chicago 2016 officials a chance to see what will work well for Beijing and what won't. Daley concedes that Beijing's ambitious Olympic venue plan is far different from the one Chicago is putting forward for 2016.

"It's massive," he said. "It's huge."

Nonetheless, Daley said there is much that he and the Chicago bid committee can learn.

"(We'll) look at their public transportation, (getting) in and out of facilities, security and things like that," he said.

Transportation has already proven to be a cause for concern in and around Beijing, and Chinese authorities have sharply curtailed auto traffic to try to reduce both air pollution and congestion.

Daley calls this summer's Olympics Beijing's "coming out party" in the world arena. He has said repeatedly that securing the 2016 Summer Games would allow Chicago to take its place among the world's elite cities.

Chicago 2016 CEO Patrick Ryan and much of Ryan's team will be making the trip. Daley said when not taking notes, they will be showcasing the city's bid and trying to make a good impression on the International Olympic Committee members in attendance.

Daley said he is hoping that the Beijing Olympics will go forward without disruptions from protesters.

Those protesting China's record on human rights have called for a boycott and demonstrations. Some world leaders are staying away from the opening ceremonies as a result, although President Bush will attend.

"You're there as a spectator," Daley said. "I don't think politics should ever interfere with arts or sports."

Chicago is one of four cities still in contention for the 2016 games. Assessments by seasoned Olympic observers have said that Chicago's bid is not the leading one. Rio de Janeiro, London and Tokyo also remain in the running.

The IOC will name the 2016 host city in 14 months.

Bob Roberts / WBBM Newsradio 780

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