Salt Lake City Bid Chair Frank Joklik began Salt Lake City's
presentation to the IOC by saying, "We are convinced, in all
humility, that we are capable of a significant contribution to
the inspiring history of the Olympic Games," according to today's
SALT LAKE TRIBUNE. The presentation was a mixture of video,
slides, music, taped comments and live commentary, including a
taped message from President Clinton (John Keahey, SALT LAKE
TRIBUNE, 6/16). Balloting will begin at 11:30am EDT, with an
announcement expected by 1:20pm EDT (USA TODAY, 6/16). The magic
number is 47 votes, due to the fact that three possible pro-Salt
Lake IOC members will not vote (OTTAWA CITIZEN, 6/16).
PRE-VOTE SPINNING: Turner Sports President Harvey
Schiller: "TV people think that will depress the value of the
2000 Sydney Olympics" (Rudy Martzke, USA TODAY, 6/16).
FROM CANADA: George Gross notes in the TORONTO SUN, "A
dozen or so cities were given the Olympics on their first effort.
So, why not Quebec?" (TORONTO SUN, 6/16). A report in the
VANCOUVER SUN states "The U.S. city is considered the favorite.
But Quebec is holding some aces," including the fact that eight
of the last ten winning cities were first-time bidders as Quebec
is now (VANCOUVER SUN, 6/16). In Toronto, James Christie notes
that Quebec was successful in getting more IOC reps to visit
Quebec. Canadian Olympic Assoc Dir of Marketing Paul Shugart:
"I believe they got 77 of the 95 to visit. This is about 20 more
members than visited Salt Lake City" (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL,
6/16).
OTHER IOC NEWS: The IOC failed to pass a charter amendment
yesterday that would have abolished the existing age limit of 75
in favor of life membership, according to Christopher Clarey.
IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch turns 75 this summer. The
amendment failed to pass by two votes. The issue is likely to be
voted on again at next year's IOC session in Atlanta (N.Y. TIMES,
6/16).
