Michelle Obama speaks about youth and the importance of the Olympics.

(First Lady Michelle Obama during a break in her one-on-one meetings with International Olympic
Committee members in Copenhagen, Denmark, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009
Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

We need all of our children to be exposed to the Olympic ideals that athletes from around the world represent, particularly this time in our nation’s history, where athletics is becoming more of a fleeting opportunity. Funds dry up so it becomes harder for kids to engage in sports, to learn how to swim, to even ride a bike. When we’re seeing rates of childhood obesity increase, it is so important for us to raise up the platform of fitness and competition and fair play; to teach kids to cheer on the victors and empathize with those in defeat, but most importantly, to recognize that all the hard work that is required to do something special.


*Previously: Obama is going to Copenhagen