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by Chase Matthews

Chicago, IL — Representatives of Chicago 2016, the non-profit organization working to bring the 2016 Summer Olympics to Chicago, held a meeting at Circuit Night Club and presented information about Chicago's Olympic bid and plans to involve Chicago's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.

"It was the success of the Gay Games in 2006 that really brought the mayor on board with believing Chicago could host the Olympics," said Alderman Tom Tunney, who attended the event.

Michael Segobiano, Chicago 2016 chief bid liaison, indicated a major reason for hosting the Games is for showcasing Chicago's distinction and diversity to the world, where some still relate Chicago with its gangster past. "The world's perception of Chicago needs to catch up to the reality of Chicago," Segobiano commented.

The presentation outlined Chicago's bid preparation and its benefit to the regions' residents, which included transportation and infrastructure, cultural and economic impacts of hosting the Games which is projected to inject more than $22 million into the local economy.

Last week, Chicago 2016 and its Outreach Advisory Council signed a memorandum outlining a community framework focusing on diversity.

Representatives from the International Olympic Committee will be arriving in Chicago this Thursday and will make a decision on the host city this October.

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