President-elect Obama appeals for Chicago to host Olympics

Madrid, Tokyo, and Rio de Janeiro are also up for the 2016 games.

By: Associated Press | Alabama's13.com
Published: November 21, 2008

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President-elect Barack Obama has made an appeal for Chicago to get the 2016 Olympics.

Obama appears in a taped video message played by Chicago bid leaders Friday at a meeting of European Olympic Committees in Istanbul, Turkey.

Obama says the Olympics are "an opportunity for the country to reach out, welcome the world to our shores and strengthen our friendships across the globe."

Obama says he has long supported hosting the games in his home city, and his administration will bring a "fresh perspective" on America's role around the world.

Obama lives near Chicago's proposed 2016 Olympic stadium.

The three other bid cities - Madrid, Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro - were also making presentations.

The IOC will choose the host city in October.