VOA标准英语2009年-Obama Pushes Chicago Olympic Bid

By Paula Wolfson
White House
16 September 2009

 
President Obama (r) and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley on the South Lawn of the White House, 16 Sep 2009
U.S. President Barack Obama is emphasizing his support for the Olympic movement at a crucial time for Chicago's bid to host the 2016 summer games. International Olympic Committee will make its choice on October 2 in Copenhagen.

Four cities are vying¹ to host the 2016 Summer Olympics: Chicago, Madrid, Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro.

The competition is fierce. Leaders from Spain, Japan and Brazil are all expected to go to Copenhagen to make one last appeal to the IOC.

President Obama says he will not be there because of the health care debate in Washington. Instead, he is sending Chicago-native, first lady Michelle Obama to Denmark.

But at an event at the White House with past and present American Olympians, the president made clear his support for Chicago's bid is strong.

"Chicago is ready! The American people are ready! We want these games," said President Obama.

Some members of the U.S. Olympic Committee have indicated Mr. Obama's absence in Copenhagen would be noticed, and could have an impact on the decision making process.

The president said no one should doubt his commitment. Standing² on the White House lawn, he delivered a message to the IOC.

"...if you chose Chicago, I will promise you this: Chicago will make America proud and America will make the world proud," said Mr. Obama.

Mr. Obama said he is sending - in his words - a "more compelling superstar" to make America's case in Copenhagen.

The first lady offered a preview, talking about the city where she was born and raised.

"What makes Chicago such a great host is its people! It is truly the people! Nobody loves sports like the people of Chicago," said Michelle Obama.

She said Chicago is an international city; home to people from more than 130 countries, who speak more than 100 languages. She said even athletes who have to travel halfway³ around the world to compete, will come to Chicago and feel at home. 

1 vying   

adj.竞争的；比赛的

参考例句：

• California is vying with other states to capture a piece of the growing communications market.为了在日渐扩大的通讯市场分得一杯羹，加利福尼亚正在和其他州展开竞争。
• Four rescue plans are vying to save the zoo.4个拯救动物园的方案正争得不可开交。

2 standing   

n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的

参考例句：

• After the earthquake only a few houses were left standing.地震过后只有几幢房屋还立着。
• They're standing out against any change in the law.他们坚决反对对法律做任何修改。

3 halfway   

adj.中途的，不彻底的，部分的；adv.半路地，在中途，在半途

参考例句：

• We had got only halfway when it began to get dark.走到半路，天就黑了。
• In study the worst danger is give up halfway.在学习上，最忌讳的是有始无终。