Michelle Obama gets US moving

Dallas: Michelle Obama offered a pep talk on Monday to US athletes who will be competing at the 2012 London Olympics while announcing a nationwide programme to get more American children active.

The US first lady, who will lead the US delegation to the opening ceremony of the July 27-August 12 London Olympics, is hoping the American athletes will inspire children to get active as part of her "Let's Move!" initiative.

Speaking at the United States Olympic Committee's media summit, Obama announced a joint effort with the USOC and ten sports federations to get 1.7 million American children to commit to beginner level Olympic sports.

"This summer, my hope is that together with our children we can support Team USA not just by cheering them on but by striving to live up to the example they have set," said Obama, flanked by athletes expected to challenge for medals in London. "In the end some of these athletes will bring home the gold but all of them will make our country proud, all of them will inspire a generation of young people to get active."

With obesity among American children on the rise, Obama has spearheaded efforts to get children physically fit. According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity now affects 17 per cent (or 12.5 million) of all US children and adolescents aged two to 19 years.