Rio de Janeiro has won the contest to host the 2016 Olympics and take the games to South America for the first time after the shock elimination of Chicago in the first round of voting today.
There were celebrations on the streets of the city this evening after the announcement by the IOC president Jacques Rogge.
IOC members vote by secret ballot until one city receives a majority. The city receiving the fewest votes is eliminated after each round. Each city will makes 45-minute presentations to the IOC members today, with another 15 minutes for questions and answers. President Obama is in Copenhagen to help stump for votes for Chicago.
"Sports is my life. Your vote is my final Olympic wish," said Gov. Ishihara.
A brief Q&A focused on the technical details of Tokyo's proposed Olympic facilities. The Q&A has now concluded.
3:45am: Chicago has completed its presentation to the International Olympic Committee.
In a moving speech, President Obama urged the assembled gatherers to "choose Chicago ... choose America."
President Obama described himself as "a passionate supporter" of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and said he was very much looking forward to welcoming the world to the shores of Lake Michigan in 2016.
"It's a place where our unity is on colorful display."
3:00am: Chicago's presentation has ended.
12:00am: President Obama is scheduled to touch down in Copenhagen this morning, carrying the now-elevated hopes of Chicago and the increased scrutiny of the nation -- with him.
Upon his arrival Obama will join the First Lady, Oprah Winfrey, Mayor Daley and the rest of the Chicago delegation and travel to Copenhagen's Bella Center, where he's scheduled to present Chicago's bid at 3:50 a.m. Chicago local time.
To say the eyes of the world are upon him would be an understatement.
But Obama's isn't the only story in Copenhagen.
The president's coterie is also attending -- Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan as well as TV broadcast powerhouse Oprah Winfrey who has caused a stir among the typically reserved Danes.
And of course Chicago's presentation also caps a two-year campaign that, while hugely successful in terms of fundraising, has been hampered at times by political infighting and -- depending on which poll you believe -- tepid public support.
Perhaps the largest stumbling block was financial guarantees. Mayor Daley originally tried to sign the host city agreement -- which puts the city on the financial hook for the games -- without the consent of the aldermen, who balked.
Chicago citizens' relationship with the bid has also been troubled.
Some citizens, already troubled about the city's botched privatization of parking meters and cutbacks in government services, expressed concerns about prioritizing the games over basic city services.
But as the the bid enters the final phase, nearly 10,000 supporters wearing Olympic colors are expected to celebrate at Daley Plaza.
As Obama and the Chicago 2016 delegation rise to take to the podium, Chicago's high hopes and expectant hearts rise with them."
Source: NBC Chicago, S. Bryant.
