CHICAGO — President Barack Obama has decided not to accompany officials of Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Summer Games to Copenhagen Oct. 2 for final presentations before the International Olympic Committee.
Citing the need to push his health care agenda in Washington, the White House announced Friday that First Lady Michelle Obama, a Chicago native, would represent the administration at the IOC meeting where Chicago’s fate will be decided. Chicago is vying with Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo and Madrid for the 2016 Games.
Because other heads of state will attend the meeting, officials of Chicago 2016 had urged the President to make the trip. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair was part of London’s successful bid presentation for the 2012 Summer Games, and former Russian president Vladimir Putin helped make Sochi’s successful case for the 2014 Winter Games.
“We all understand how committed the President is to the health care plan,” said Patrick Ryan, chairman and chief executive of Chicago 2016. “I think it is going to be well understood around the world and the international Olympic movement that he would love to be there, and that with this pressing legislative issue he’s committed a major part of his campaign to, and now his presidency, he has to see that through.”
Ryan noted that Michelle Obama has worked on issues of health and sport since her husband became President.
“She has a global image that is tremendous,” Ryan said. “I think it’s a great thing for our bid. I think she will represent the country extremely well as a First Lady, she will represent her husband extremely well, and she’ll represent our bid extremely well.”
John Meyer: 303-954-1616 or jmeyer@denverpost.com
