U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (06-NY) Reacts To The IOC's Vote On New York City's 2012 Summer Olympic Bid

(Jamaica, New York)"Today's vote by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on New York City's bid to host the 2012 Summer Olympic games was disappointing but also encouraging for New York's chances for the 2016 games," said U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (D-Queens) who was the first Member of the Congressional delegation to support the West side Stadium.

New York City, under tremendous odds, put forth a strong bid that reflected the city's diversity, cultural richness and enthusiasm for sports. The competition was the strongest of any bid in Olympic history and we fell just short of making history and adding to our city's unquestionable legacy.

"Today's decision by the IOC Members gives all New Yorkers the opportunity to once again, demonstrate why New York is the world's greatest city with the world's greatest people who represent every corner of the globe and all points in between. Hopefully, every New Yorker -- including the public and private sectors -- can come together in support of a bid for the 2016 summer games taking advantage of New York's tremendous assets, old and new, in a joint effort to showcase our storied city as never before," Meeks concluded.