Obama pitches for Chicago Olympic bid
U.S. president-elect Barack Obama made a personal appeal Friday to bring the 2016 Summer Olympics to his home city of Chicago.
Obama appeared in a 90-second taped video message played by Chicago bid leaders to the general assembly of European Olympic Committees, the largest regional group in the Olympic movement.
"The United States would be honoured to have the opportunity to host the games and serve the Olympic movement," said Obama, wearing a dark suit and sitting at a desk in his Chicago transition office.
"As president-elect, I see the Olympics and Paralympic Games as an opportunity for our nation to reach out, welcome the world to our shores and strengthen our friendships across the globe."
Obama, who lives a few blocks from Chicago's proposed 2016 Olympic stadium, offers a potential boost for the city's chances of taking the Summer Games back to the United States for the first time since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Chicago is competing against Madrid, Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro, which were making presentations Friday to the European body. The International Olympic Committee will vote on the host city Oct. 2 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
"I deeply believe in the Olympic mission and have long supported hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in my home city of Chicago," Obama said. "Over the past two years, I have spoken often about my belief that while we may come from different places and backgrounds, there are certain shared values that unite us, values at the heart of the Olympic movement: friendship, excellence and mutual respect."
Photos of Obama were sprinkled throughout Chicago's 20-minute presentation, including a shot of him delivering his acceptance speech in Grant Park. His taped message was introduced by Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, who said they share a goal of inspiring young people to participate in sports.
'Fresh perspective'
"Chicago 2016 now enjoys a remarkable level of support from our government — an unprecedented partnership for a U.S. candidate city — from City Hall in Chicago to the White House in Washington D.C.," bid leader Patrick Ryan said.
Obama went out of his way to appeal to the international audience, which included up to two dozen voting IOC members.
"In the coming years, my administration will bring a fresh perspective on America's role and responsibilities around the world," Obama said. "But if we are to truly meet our shared challenges, we must all work together.
"By uniting the world in a peaceful celebration of human achievement, the Olympic games reminds us that this is possible."
Obama's remarks, which were taped last Friday, were greeted by warm applause in the conference hall.
The Chicago bid officials presented one of its videos entirely in French, the official Olympic language along with English.
The video showed images of Chicago's skyline, Lake Michigan, museums, restaurants, theatres and sports venues. Officials said 90 per cent of the athletes would live within 15 minutes of their competition venues.
"I pledge to you that Chicago will deliver a wonderful games experience with full stadiums and arenas," Ryan said. "Chicago surprises. Chicago inspires. Chicago unites."