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Obama to woo IOC over Chicago bid Obama to woo IOC over Chicago bid
(41 minutes later)
US President Barack Obama will travel to Copenhagen to support the bid by the city of Chicago to host the 2016 Olympic Games, the White House says.US President Barack Obama will travel to Copenhagen to support the bid by the city of Chicago to host the 2016 Olympic Games, the White House says.
Mr Obama will join his wife, Michelle, and others in his administration at the International Olympic Committee meeting in the Danish capital on Thursday. He will join his wife, Michelle, and other administration members at the International Olympic Committee meeting in the Danish capital on Thursday.
Chicago faces opposition from Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo in the vote.Chicago faces opposition from Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo in the vote.
The Brazilian and Spanish heads of state are also expected to lobby IOC delegates at the meeting.The Brazilian and Spanish heads of state are also expected to lobby IOC delegates at the meeting.
Mr Obama, who was a senator for Illinois and lived in Chicago before his election, will be the first US president to take on such a direct role in an Olympic bid. New Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama will promote Tokyo.
Correspondents say the impact of star personalities on Olympic bids is now a factor after lobbying by UK Prime Minister Tony Blair in 2005 helped London's bid for the 2012 Games.
'Most accomplished residents'
Mr Obama, who was a senator for Illinois and lived in Chicago before his election to the White House, will be the first sitting US president to take on such a direct role in an Olympic bid.
He will be joined on Friday by Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who are both from Illinois.He will be joined on Friday by Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who are both from Illinois.
Chicago was chosen ahead of four other US cities to bid for the Games Candidates for 2016 Olympics
"President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama symbolise the hope, opportunity and inspiration that makes Chicago great, and we are honoured to have two of our city's most accomplished residents leading our delegation in Copenhagen," Chicago Mayor Richard M Daley said on Monday.
"Who better to share with members of the International Olympic Committee the commitment and enthusiasm Chicago has for the Olympic and Paralympic Movement," he added.
Mr Obama had reportedly said the pressure of his push for healthcare reform would prevent him from attending the meeting.
The race to host the 2016 Olympics has been described as one of the closest in history.The race to host the 2016 Olympics has been described as one of the closest in history.
But correspondents say Chicago, with President Obama's overt support, could be considered a slight favourite.But correspondents say Chicago, with President Obama's overt support, could be considered a slight favourite.
Chicago was chosen to bid for the Games two years ago by the US Olympic Committee ahead of four other US cities.
The city's plan revolves around providing a compact event in the middle of the city, on the shores of Lake Michigan, using many established venues. The costs of Games will be borne by the private sector - unlike the three other bids.