Just Announced: Finalists of the ‘Why Chicago’ Video Contest!

Here they are! Take a look at the five finalists of the Why Chicago Video contest. Beginning tomorrow, December 1, NBC5 Chicago will show each video on the air.  The winner of the contest will win a trip to Vancouver!

Don’t forget, YOU also have a chance to win - just for voting! The winner from the voting pool will win a trip to Boulder, Colorado - with a few friends, to boot.

Good Luck Everyone!

Is This the ‘Why Chicago’ Video Winner?
One More Day to Enter!

Back during my Western Michigan University days, I worked well under pressure. I was a Resident Advisor, had a part time internship at an advertising agency and a full course load under my belt. �I usually started papers and projects long before they were due, but time and time again, I succumbed to the world of ‘last minutes’.

Are you a last minute person? Do you like to spend the day cranking out a project or article?

Then do I have the project for you!:)

The Why Chicago Video Contest ends TOMORROW, November 25th at 11:59:59 am CT. You still have a chance to make a video, upload it to the Chicago 2016 YouTube channel and possibly win $5,000 in video equipment OR a trip to Vancouver to go behind the scenes at the 2010 Olympic Games!

In the meantime, take a look at one of the contest entries. Could this be the winner? Do you think you could do better? Let us know!

The Chicago 16 Dance?
Get to Stepping!

Need some inspiration on why Chicago should host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic games?  Check out this how-to dance video from JenChicago! If you’d like to be in the video, make your evening free on November 19.

Chicago-16 Dance Instructions from Jen Knoedl on Vimeo.

Are You An Aspiring Gymnast?
Chicago to Host 2009 American Cup Gymnastics Invitational

 

Are you a fan of Nadia Comaneci? Mary Lou Retton? Bart Conner? I can only imagine the amount of training and dedication to be a top gymnast. I get mesmerized by the skill and balance all of you use when it comes to the high beam or the rings. Watching invitationals on television is one thing, but seeing people up close and personal is another. 

Next February, I’ll get my chance!  Chicago will host the 2009 American Cup Gymnastics Invitational.  Chicago 2016 and World Sport Chicago are hosting this event on February 21, 2009. Tickets will be available soon. 

This is just one reason why Chicago should host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games!  Do you agree? Tell us by submitting your own Why Chicago video. You have one week to go - the contest ends November 25!

Tell us How a Past Olympics Have Benefited You!

Do you have an Olympic success story to share? An idea about how you and your community can benefit from a future Olympic experience here in Chicago? If so, please submit a video telling your tale and you’ll have a chance to win a chance to Vancouver in 2010. I recently spoke with a couple influential people from the most recent American host city with some interesting and uplifting Olympic stories to tell.

In 2002, Salt Lake City became the largest metropolitan area to ever host the winter Olympic Games. On the world’s biggest athletic stage, the region displayed its newly acquired status as a first-rate sports destination; in both economy and community. “It’s really hard to say anything negative about the Olympic experience. We had $91 million left over, so the nay-sayers who said we were going to be in a financial hole were way off. It was a lot about exposure and validation. People said hey, if they can host the Olympics then they can host our group and we can have a good time there,” stated Ski Utah President Nathan Rafferty. In the last year more visitors found their way to the region that hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. “As the snow piled on so did the skiers,” remarked Rafferty. “Utah’s incredible snow, unparalleled accessibility and world class resorts continue to attract new visitors making it a crucial source of revenue for the state.”

The sports sector of Utah’s economy was thriving after 2002, and it continues to generate more positive return since. With the addition of a first-class soccer stadium/concert venue, sports and entertainment consumers are expected to increase in numbers and therefore provide more future growth. The University of Utah’s football program also got a boost from the 2002 Winter Olympics. The stadium underwent a $52 million expansion and renovation starting in 1997.

The US Men’s basketball team won Gold in Beijing with two members of the Utah Jazz, Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer, on their roster. Despite playing in the NBA’s smallest market, the Jazz are succeeding both on the court -currently in first place following back-to-back division title season- and in the board room. According to a Forbes.com study last year, the Jazz were ranked #16 in NBA team value at $342 million. Leading the way is Randy Rigby, President of the Larry H. Miller Sports and Entertainment group which owns the Jazz. Over the phone Rigby told me about the Olympic impact in the Salt Lake City metropolitan region. “One thing it did do was show people what a great place Utah is as a destination,” he said.

Do you have a similar tale? Then please submit a video for the contest and tell the world! Show the global community what the Olympics did for you and Why Chicago should host the Olympics.

Four Seasons of Chicago Fun
What is Your Favorite Thing to Do Outside?

Living in the Midwest is terrific - we truly get four seasons.  On election night, we had a mild day in the 70s and now we have a crisp day in the 40s. I like change - and that includes Chicagoaland weather.  There is something about waiting for the bus on Michigan Avenue and being amongst students, executives, seniors and all walks of life - braving the weather to wait for the bus.

On my daily stroll up Michigan Avenue today, I saw four little tots racing up and down the hill and 9th and Michigan.  I heard one of their mothers say, ‘I love fall in Chicago’.

Then it got me thinking…

Many of my friends that live in or around Chicagoland go on and on about our weather - especially the summers. From the free neighborhood festivals to the architecture rides down the Chicago River - Chicago is terrific in the summer.

What about you? What is YOUR favorite seasonal thing to do in Chicago? Tell us about it! Submit YOUR video to the Why Chicago video contest! 

The Next Olympian Could Be From Your Gym (or You)
Send Us a Video and Tell Us Why

The next time you are sweating away on the elliptical machine or steadily walking up the incline on the treadmill, look around.  The next Olympian could be running right next to you.These are the thoughts that crept through my mind this morning. 

I’m trying to switch my workouts to the mornings, leaving the rest of my day open and ready to roll.  Did I mention that my gym is literally at the base of  my building?  I have no excuse to NOT get up early, throw on the running shoes and go on my merry way with exercise regimen.  When I finally do enter the gym doors, things change.  It’s 6:30 in the morning and the gym is buzzing with dedicated athletes working out in unison.

I belong to the Fitness Formula Clubs family of gyms.  I’m a fan of the built-in TV/exercise machine combo, but there are times when I don’t feel like watching the morning’s talking heads or reality starts trying to get famous. That’s when I look around. I see people conducting sprint drills on treadmills.  I also see groups of friends and amateur athletes spot one another while lifting weights.  More importantly, I see some of the most athletic people around and wonder, “Are you training for a race? A competition? The Olympic and Paralympic Games?”

For all you daily gym goers, here is your challenge.  Make a video about your or someone else’s daily workout regimen and why you think Chicago should host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.  The Chicago 2016 is handing out terrific prizes for you efforts, including a trip to go behind the scenes at the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Vancouver.

Good luck - see you at the gym!