It’s official. US President Barack Obama will fly to Copenhagen, Denmark to push Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics. Obama will try to entice the International Olympic Committee to bring the Olympics home to the US city, just a few blocks from his Chicago home. The president will arrive on Friday, just before the Chicago 2016 presentation. First Lady Michelle Obama will have more time, however, since she arrives on Wednesday and plans to meet with the IOC on her own.
Together, the couple will speak with Queen Margrethe and Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen in attempt to secure the deal, and will make their own presentations after the Chicago 2016 group does. Chicago’s Chairman Pat Ryan is thrilled to have Obama’s support and presence, especially at a time when the health care debate is so heated. Obama is the first sitting US president to show up at the presentations.
Whether Obama will push the IOC in the direction of the US is still unknown. The tactic seemed to work for former Prime Minister Tony Blair, when he and wife Cherie went to Singapore to lobby for the 2012 Summer Olympics to be held in London. For an extra push, TV talk show host and media super star Oprah Winfrey will also fly to Copenhagen to support Chicago, the town in which she films her show. One fact that might sway the IOC is that its largest source of revenue comes through North America, via NBC.
Although these signs point to good things for Chicago, the competition is fierce. Madrid, Tokyo, and Rio de Janeiro are the three serious contenders for the spot – all of which have significant international draw. Madrid has Europe’s support, which is a continent experienced in hosting the Games, and Tokyo’s prime minister plans on being present as well. Rio de Janeiro has a leg up, since no Olympic Games have ever taken place in South America.
© Cheapflights Ltd Andrea Mooney
