Protests are expected when International Olympic Committee officials arrive in Chicago next month to assess the city’s bid for the 2016 Summer Games.
No Games Chicago, a group opposed to spending money on the Olympics rather than on basic needs such as housing and education, said Tuesday it would hold a rally April 2 at Federal Plaza.
Another group, Communities for an Equitable Olympics, has raised the possibility of street protests unless the City Council adopts an agreement to ensure that minorities and low-income residents benefit from the Games.
Lori Healey, president of Chicago’s bid team, defended the city’s plan.
“While we respect the right to free speech, we have worked hard to ensure that our Games plan will have broad benefits for the city,” Healey said.
The IOC will choose a winner Oct. 2 in Copenhagen.
