The White House announced Friday that Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood will travel with the United States delegation to Copenhagen in support of Chicago's bid for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, according to a press release of Chicago 2016.

LaHood, a native of Illinois, said: "I'm honored to play a role as a member of President Obama's team in persuading the International Olympic Committee to choose Chicago for the 2016 Olympics."

LaHood will join the delegation led by Mrs. Obama at the 121st International Olympic Committee Session at the Bella Center, the meeting that will elect the host city for the 2016 Summer Games. LaHood will help rally support for Chicago's bid and the opportunity to bring the 2016 Summer games to the United States.

Chicago is competing against three other cities -- Tokyo, Madrid and Rio de Janeiro. The International Olympic Committee will vote on the host city on October 2.