Obama to back U.S. Oly bid in Denmark

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife will travel to Denmark to support Chicago's bid for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, the White House says.

In a statement released Monday, the White House said first lady Michelle Obama, who is leading the delegation, will arrive in Copenhagen Wednesday, two days before the International Olympic Committee meets to decide among Chicago, Madrid, Rio Di Janeiro and Tokyo as the host for the 2016 Games, while the president will leave for Denmark Thursday.

Accompanying the Obamas in Copenhagen will be senior White House adviser Valerie Jarrett, who heads the White House Office on Olympic, Paralympic and Youth Sport.

The statement indicated that both Obamas would make presentations to the IOC on Friday, putting forward the case why they think Chicago is best suited to host the Games.

While in Copenhagen, the president and first lady will also meet with Denmark's queen and prince consort, while President Obama was also scheduled to meet with Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen.