Michelle Obama to Attend Opening Ceremony of Olympic Games

Matt Rourke/AP Photo

First Lady Michelle Obama will lead the U.S. delegation to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in London next month, the White House announced today.

"This summer I'll be cheering on Team U.S.A. at the Olympic Games in London with this distinguished group of champions who truly represent the best of our country," the first lady said in a written statement. "Olympians and Paralympians are true American heroes and role models for all of us, especially our young people. And I know that this delegation will help inspire a generation of young people to get into the Olympic spirit by getting active and healthy so they can reach their fullest potential and reach their dreams."

Mrs. Obama has been using the Olympic Games to encourage children to live healthier and more active lives, in line with the goals of her "Let's Move!" campaign to fight childhood obesity.

The first lady will be joined at the July 27 opening ceremony by American Paralympians and Olympians, including Brandi Chastain, Dominique Dawes, Summer Sanders, Gabriel Diaz de Leon, and Grant Hill.

Mrs. Obama first announced her London trip in March when Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha were visiting the U.S.

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