Cities Bidding to Host 2016 Olympics to Present Cases Friday

The four cities bidding to host the 2016 Olympics will present their cases to the powerful assembly of European Olympic Committees Friday, with Chicago's package including a message from U.S. President-elect Barack Obama.

Chicago is bidding against Rio de Janeiro [Brazil], Tokyo [Japan] and Madrid [Spain] for the right to host the Olympics in eight years. Chicago's presentation is expected to include a videotape message from Mr. Obama, a former U.S. senator from Illinois who lives on Chicago's south side.

Mr. Obama's election has changed the dynamics of the race. Anti-U.S. sentiment worldwide was reflected in Olympic politics with New York defeated in its bid for the 2012 Games.

The Chicago 2016 committee is expecting Mr. Obama to attend the IOC meeting in Copenhagen where the host city will be chosen on October 2, 2009.