Welcome to the Chicago 2016 Channel!

This site is a way for US, the people of Chicago, to bring our voice to the Chicago 2016 Movement. We’re here to tell the story of how Chicago is going to get the 2016 Olympics. Our site aims to give Chicagoans a chance to have their say about why and how the Olympics should come to our city.

We’re going to be as open and as transparent as possible. (For example — some of us have been hired by a firm that does social media, which has been contracted by Chicago 2016 to create this site.)

Throughout the next year, we’ll be inviting you to be part of this — by posting videos (See today’s “Why Chicago” video challenge), photos, comments. It’s “Web 2.0″ meets Chicago’s Olympics Bid.

Why would Chicago 2016 do this? Because these Olympics won’t be GREAT unless the city is behind it. And Chicagoans like to roll up their sleeves and get involved. Here’s the way to make the Olympics great, by getting involved in the bid to bring them to Chicago.

We’re serious about representing all points of view here, and taking on all questions. Many of the people who are writing for this site have made a career out of their dedication to this city, its people, and its many treasures. We CARE about Chicago, and want the Olympics to come here in a way that’ll be great for all of us.

There are numerous stories to be told and we want to hear them. Our city is a treasure chest of multiple languages, cultures, cuisines, sports, history and pride. This Channel aims to bring us all a little closer together and, who knows, you may learn a thing or two about Chicago!

Starting this week, you will be introduced to other members of the Chicago 2016 Channel team. We’ll be writing about the venues, about the people working on Chicago 2016, about the city’s spirit and how the Olympics would impact us.

Most importantly, this Channel is about YOU. US. We’re inviting the world to our home for two weeks in 2016. Let’s work together to make sure they have the warm and hearty welcome that only the City of the Broad Shoulders can provide.

Let’s start now, submit YOUR video and tell us why the Olympics should come to Chicago. We hope you have as much fun creating these videos as we are watching them!