Michelle Obama to lead Olympic delegation

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WASHINGTON, June 22 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama Friday announced first lady Michelle Obama will lead the presidential delegation to the London Olympic Games opening ceremony.

"In anticipation of 'Olympic Day,' a global commemoration on June 23 of the birth of the modern Olympic Games, President Obama today announced the Presidential Delegation to the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games in London. First lady Michelle Obama will lead the delegation this summer, accompanied by Olympic and Paralympic greats to attend the Opening Ceremony, meet with U.S. athletes and encourage American children to be active in their daily lives," the White House said in a release.

The delegation will include U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom Louis B. Susman, three-time Olympic medalist soccer forward Brandi Chastain and Dominique Dawes, a four-time medalist in gymnastics and co-leader of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.

"This summer I'll be cheering on Team USA at the Olympic Games in London with this distinguished group of champions who truly represent the best of our country," Michelle Obama said.

"Olympians and Paralympians are true American heroes and role models for all of us, especially our young people. And I know that this delegation will help inspire a generation of young people to get into the Olympic spirit by getting active and healthy so they can reach their fullest potential and reach their dreams."