Obama Says Chicago "Ready" for Olympics

(ATR) U.S. President Barack Obama delivers a pep talk for the Chicago bid for the 2016 Olympics.

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<<enter caption here>> on September 16, 2009 in Washington, DC.
<<enter caption here>> on September 16, 2009 in Washington, DC.

(ATR) U.S. President Barack Obama delivers a pep talk for the Chicago bid for the 2016 Olympics.

“The U.S. is eager to welcome the world to its shores,” proclaimed Obama at an event for the bid on the South Lawn of the White House.

“Chicago is ready, the American people are ready, we want these Games,” said the president.

“Americans, like Chicagoans -- we don't like to make small plans. We want to dream big and reach high. We hope deeply. We want these Games. And if you choose Chicago, I promise you this: Chicago will make America proud, and America will make the world proud,” he promised in remarks that lasted nearly 10 minutes. He plugged the generally compact nature of the Chicago venue plan, dropped the names of U.S. Olympians, praised the IOC.

Acknowledging expectations that he is needed for the IOC Session in Copenhagen to campaign for the bid from his hometown, he said he was still unable to commit to the trip. Last week he announced First Lady Michelle Obama would be going.

“I would make the case in Copenhagen personally, if I weren't so firmly committed to making -- making real the promise of quality, affordable health care for every American. But the good news is I'm sending a more compelling superstar to represent the city and country we love, and that is our First Lady, Michelle Obama,” said the president.

“You can say we are so pumped up about this,” declared Mrs. Obama, a native of Chicago, in her remarks.

“And I can tell you, personally, what makes Chicago the ideal home for the 2016 Games and I'm very excited to be able to do that in Copenhagen. It's not just the infrastructure or the resources of the city, and it's not just the beautiful parks, because there are many. It's not that gorgeous lakefront that so many will see during the Olympic Games. And it's not just the excellent public transportation and the accommodations. What makes Chicago such a great host is its people. It's truly the people,” said Mrs. Obama.

The details of the First Lady’s tripto Denmark have not been revealed. She is expected to take part in the final presentation for Chicago Oct. 2. Also representing the White House will be Valerie Jarrett, senior adviser to President Obama. Also a Chicagoan, she was vice chair of the Chicago bid before she joined the Obama administration.

The 30-minute event included demonstrations of the Olympic sports of fencing and judo.

Leaders of the Chicago campaign at the White House included Mayor Richard Daley, bid CEO Patrick Ryan, senior U.S. IOC member Anita DeFrantz, U.S. Olympic Committee CEO Stephanie Streeter, USOC vice president Bob Ctvrtlik and international relations chief Robert Fasulo. Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee was also on hand, saying she will be part of the Chicago delegation in Copenhagen.

Apress corps numbering about 50 covered the White House event, including the BBC and Tokyo Broadcasting System.

While he has yet to categorically rule out going to Copenhagen, Obama has said his work on health care reform may keep him home. He phoned IOC President Jacques Rogge last week to let him know the situation.

Other heads of state expected for the IOC Session include Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero. King Juan Carlos is planned for Madrid and Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan is supposed to go for Tokyo. Confirmation from the newly installed Japanese prime minister is still pending.

With reporting from Washington D.C by Ed Hula III. For general comments or questions, click here

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