The LA 2024 Organizing Committee unveiled its branding on Tuesday on the top floor of the USC Downtown building with its panoramic views of the City of Angels. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and LA 2024 Chairman Casey Wasserman could hardly have conjured up a more dramatic backdrop for the announcement; the weather cooperated perfectly and provided stunning views as the sun set over the ocean.
Leading up to the official announcement had been a series of images on social media throughout the day of the sun setting over various cities, from east to west, followed by the hashtag #FollowTheSun. That slogan now accompanies the new logo, an angel lit by the sun, forming an array of colors that one can actually see here as the sun goes down.
On the dais with Mayor Garcetti and Chairman Wasserman were and USOC Chief Marketing Officer Lisa Baird as well as Vice Chair and Director of Athlete Relations Janet Evans and Brazilian Olympic medalist Thiago Pereira. Evans began by thanking all the past, present and future Olympic and Paralympic champions who had gathered for the ceremony. She talked about how the LA bid was centered on the experience for the Olympians and Paralympians. “Our LA bid puts the athletes at the heart of the Games,” she explained. Following Evans, Pereira, who will be competing in his fourth Olympic Games in Rio this summer, explained why he supports the LA bid: “I love this city. No one has to be an American to feel at home here. I choose to live and train here.” He went on to say what a thrill it is for an athlete to compete in the Olympic Games hosted by his country. He will be excited to experience it in Rio this summer, and hopes to experience it a second time in 2024, since L.A. is home, too.
Following the presentation the committee had a special screening of the feature film, “Race,” the story of Olympic great Jesse Owens.
The official bids from all candidate cities are due to IOC Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland tomorrow, Wednesday, February 17, 2016. Joining Los Angeles are Paris, Rome, and Budapest.