Chicago bids for 2016 Olympic Games

New Delhi: Even as London prepares for the 2012 Olympic Games, the next Games in 2016 are attracting some serious bids and among the most prominent cities in contention is Chicago, whose bid is being supported by none other than the first family of America.

"The United States is eager to welcome the world to our shores. This nation would be honored to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic games and serve as hosts to thousands of athletes and millions of visitors from around the world," President Obama said on Wednesday.

When the US President lends his charismatic voice to a project, one knows it is serious.

First Lady Michelle Obama adds, "I cannot think of a better city to host the 2016 Games than my hometown. I was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, so I know a lot about this city. And I can tell you personally that Chicago is the ideal home for the 2016 Games."

With Beijing having already set the benchhmark for other Games to follow, Chicago has a lot on its hands already. Its plan may lack the zing that the Birdnest had in Beijing, but it's a compact one centered around the city's beautiful lakefront.

And if all this was not enough, none other than Michael Jordan spoke what he thought about the Games being held in Chicago.

"Hi, I'm Michael Jordan. I'd like to welcome you to one of my favorite places in the world - the United Center. I was looking forward to telling you how excited the city of Chicago is about the opportunity to host the 2016 Olympic Games," he said.

The US heavyweights will be hoping to clinch the deal against rivals as big as Tokyo, Madrid and Rio De Janeiro.

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