Now more than ever before people from around the world are aware of our City’s great diversity, capacity, dedication and drive. Though we did not win, our bid for the Games had a positive impact on our City that we will feel for decades. With our Olympic bid as a catalyst, major development and renovation projects were completed, and people from diverse backgrounds came together to support our bid and built relationships that will last forever. Now, however, New York must move on. But we do so with a greater commitment to the promise of the Olympic spirit.

I applaud the London bid and am confident that they will be a remarkable Host City for the Games. The last 11 years have been a fantastic voyage for me, and telling the world why I love New York City and why I think we should host the Games was always a joy. It is an experience I will never forget and one for which I am deeply indebted to the Olympic Movement.

Thank you to Senator Clinton, Congressman Rangel, and all of New York's labor, civic and business leaders who have supported our city's bid.

STATEMENT BY MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG
 
On behalf of all New Yorkers and New York’s Olympic bid, I extend my sincere congratulations to London. London is a tremendous city and will undoubtedly host a superb Games in 2012. As we have seen first-hand, the power and spirit of the Olympic movement is unlike anything else. And nothing speaks better to the prestige of the Games than the fact that five world-class cities competed to host the Games in 2012. The IOC and the Olympic movement were sure to win no matter which city they chose. And just as in sport, competing against these great cities made us better.  And New York’s Olympic bid made our city better. It heightened the City’s Olympic spirit and catalyzed important City projects. From new parks to new pools, New Yorkers have already benefited from our bid for the 2012 Games. And while we won't host the 2012 Games, we are proud of what we have achieved and will redouble our efforts to keep New York City moving forward. I want to thank Senator Clinton, Congressman Rangel, and the scores of other business and labor leaders who have supported our city's bid. I also want to thank Muhammad Ali and the more than 2000 Olympians and Paralympians who are members of our Circle of Olympians-they are truly an inspiration.