NYC2012, led by Deputy Mayor of Economic Development Dan Doctoroff, fell short of its goal to host the 2012 Summer Olympic games.
Commenced in 2004, the committee’s campaign, “Let the Dreams Begin,” was a microcosm of what makes New York City great, according of Doctoroff.
“We are delighted to launch this spectacular campaign that embodies the spirit of New York City—a spirit that also is the embodiment of the Olympic ideas,” said Doctoroff. “New York is a place where people from all over the world come to fulfill their dreams, where they come to push themselves, to compete with the very best and pursue the ultimate glory, just like the athletes who participate in the Olympic games”
In 1994, Doctoroff was in attendance at a raucous World Cup match between Italy and Bulgaria when he realized that that match was the most exciting sporting event he’d ever attended.
He knew he wanted to project the crazed atmosphere of that night in East Rutherford onto a larger stage–the world’s largest stage.
New York is a place where people from all over the world come to fulfill their dreams…
Dan Doctoroff, New York City deputy mayor of economic development
Unfortunately for Doctoroff, dreams don’t always turn into reality. NYC2012 fell through.
Hosting the Olympics in New York required the construction of a new stadium on the west side of Manhattan and millions of dollars in taxpayer money.
There was minimal interest.
The issue of extravagant costs reared its ugly head, closing the book on New York City’s hopes to host the 2012 Summer Olympic games.
Perhaps one day, the opportunity for New York to host the world’s greatest display of athleticism will reemerge. But for now, the Big Apple will have to wait its turn.
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Sports Info 19 