Los Angeles launches 2016 Games bid
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-09-08 11:30

LOS ANGELES,Sept 7 (Reuters) - Los Angeles, which has twice hosted the Olympics, launched on Wednesday a bid to host the Summer Games in 2016.

"We want the USOC (U.S. Olympic Committee) to know we are eager to bring the Games back to Los Angeles," Barry Sanders, chairman of the Southern California Committee for the Olympic Games, told a news conference.

"We will pursue this with an Olympic determination to succeed."

Los Angeles, which hosted the Summer Games in 1932 and 1984, is the first U.S. city to formally enter the race for 2016. Chicago, San Francisco and Washington are also thought to be considering bidding.

Sanders said Los Angeles was confident of again being able to host the Olympics with no cost to local taxpayers. "We also promise a bid that will be distinctive in its approach compared to previous Games," he said.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa threw his weight behind the bid, saying he was "enthusiastic about this opportunity."

Los Angeles is the only American city to host the Olympics more than once. Atlanta in 1996 was the last U.S. venue chosen for the Summer Games.

The USOC is expected to pick the American 2016 bid city by 2007 when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially opens the bid process. The IOC will make its choice in 2009.

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