Kyle Bell

The International Olympic Committee will meet next month in Denmark to determine what city will host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Chicago is one of four cities competing for the honor of hosting the Olympics. Others include Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo.

Chicago is already recognized as a world class city. From its sprawling skyline, terrific museums, miles of sparkling beaches, vast diversity in ethnicities, cultures, foods and languages, Chicago is not only a microcosm of the United States, but of the world. Just pay a visit to Chinatown, Boystown or La Villita. Holding the Olympics would only add to its reputation of greatness.

A tremendous amount of time, money and planning has been put into Chicago’s bid to hold the 2016 Olympic Games. Everyone from Mayor Daley to average citizens have played their part. Now is time for President Obama to make his voice heard. Not because the city requires his star power, but instead to make the case that the United States wants to once again be a leader in the world.

President Obama is a product of many cultures, races and nationalities. He was born in Hawaii, spent a few years in Indonesia and graduated from Harvard. It’s fitting that President Obama made Chicago his home during his adult life. He represents the city well and would do the same in Europe if he were to make the trip to Copenhagen. Given the support the voters of Illinois have shown for him, it’s really the least he can do.