First Lady will lead US delegation to 2012 Olympics

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama exchange smiles as they wait to greet South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and his wife Kim Yoon-ok at the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Thursday, Oct., 13, 2011, prior to a State Dinner.

WASHINGTON – The White House says Michelle Obama will lead the official U.S. delegation to the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.

It has become somewhat of a tradition for first ladies to lead the U.S. delegation. Laura Bush headed the delegation to the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy, and Hillary Rodham Clinton headed up the delegation at the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway.

Mrs. Obama on Tuesday will host a mini-Olympic competition with physical activities for D.C.-area children at American University. The competition is part of her Let's Move! initiative promoting fitness and healthy eating.

She will be joined by Britain's first lady, Samantha Cameron, who is accompanying her husband, British Prime Minister David Cameron, on a two-day visit to the U.S.