No other city is so loved and hated as is Philadelphia. We are praised as the birthplace of freedom and as the City of Brotherly Love. Yet, we are also seen as backwards and inferior to our bigger companions (Think NYC…). Yet, I proudly proclaim that Philadelphia is the greatest city in the world. It’s time for Philadelphia to be seen as it ought to be. A city of Champions. A city with a culture all its own. A world-class city with the best sports fans in the entire world.

Philadelphians have been through a lot. Times seem to be changing for the better. However, the poor economy has kept things from adequately progressing as they need to be. But, Philadelphians are proud of their city. They are optimistic. What better way to grow and demonstrate our readiness for the future and our preparedness to be on the world stage than to have a Summer Olympics in Philadelphia?

We have many of the necessary facilities to hold a Summer Olympics on hand. Stadium complexes in South Philadelphia, an abundance of hotel rooms, an international airport and The Jersey Shore for sailing events. Furthermore, this Olympics, if properly planned, could make the city money. By preparing early, attracting corporate sponsorship and building only as-needed, Philadelphia could plan an Olympic Games that could infuse the entire region with capital (Think L.A. 1984).

If Philadelphia’s skilled and elite business community combined efforts with our top-level political leaders, particularly those known to get things done, an Olympic Games is a real possibility. By the time we had the games, the economy would surely be in the rebound if not more so. An Olympic Games could solidify our economy and demonstrate to the world what we already know. That Philadelphia is the greatest city in the world.

I know they will be many naysayers… But if L.A. and Atlanta can do it, why can’t we?

-Jim Nixon
jnixon05@gmail.com