Daley says bidding on 2016 games was worth it

Chicago Mayor Richard Daley says bidding on the 2016 Summer Games was worth it, even if Chicago doesn't get the Olympics.

Daley says the city has benefited because more people around the world know about Chicago now. And he says there will be other lasting benefits, like a commitment to youth sports.

The mayor also thanked Olympic organizers and supporters at a news conference at Washington Park on Friday. That's where the Olympic stadium would be built.

Daley leaves for Copenhagen on Friday to prepare for next week's International Olympic Committee meeting. The IOC will decide Oct. 2 if Chicago gets to host the 2016 summer games.

The city is a finalist along with Tokyo, Madrid and Rio De Janeiro.