(Sports Network) - President Barack Obama hosted an Olympic rally at the White House Wednesday, just over two weeks before Chicago is set to go against three other finalist cities in an attempt to land the 2016 Summer Games.

The International Olympic Committee will vote at their October 2 meeting in Copenhagen with Chicago, Rio de Janeiro, Madrid and Tokyo as finalists for the 2016 Olympics.

"The United States is eager to welcome the world to our shores," the President said. "This nation would be honored to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games and to serve as host to thousands of athletes and millions of visitors from around the world. And within this great country of ours, there is no better city than Chicago, Illinois."

Last week, it was announced First Lady Michelle Obama will head to Copenhagen to join the United States Olympic Committee delegation.

The close ties the Obamas have to Chicago could be a difference maker. The President worked as a civil rights attorney in the Windy City before going into politics and spent four years as a U.S. Senator prior to winning the presidency in 2008. Mrs. Obama was born and grew up on the South Side of Chicago.

Olympic track & field champion Jackie Joyner Kersee, Olympic gymnastics champion Dominique Dawes and Olympic wrestling champion Henry Cejudo were among the athletes on hand Wednesday to push for Chicago's attempt to bring the Olympics back to the United States.

"The energy, excitement, and enthusiasm on display at the White House here today, these aren't new," the President added. "The folks gathered here this afternoon have had the Olympic spirit blazing within them for years, working tirelessly to bring these Games to the city and the country we love. And, I promise you, we are fired up about this."

President Obama informed IOC President Jacques Rogge that the fight to pass health insurance reform keeps him from committing the time to travel to Denmark.

"I would make the case in Copenhagen personally, if I weren't so firmly committed to making -- making real the promise of quality, affordable health care for every American," Mr. Obama said. "But the good news is I'm sending a more compelling superstar to represent the city and country we love, and that is our First Lady, Michelle Obama. She's going because she and I share the conviction that bringing the Games to the United States isn't just important for the city, but for the American people. And I'm confident she, and my senior advisor and Director of the White House Office of Olympic, Paralympic, and Youth Sport, Valerie Jarrett, will represent the American people well."



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