Michelle Obama to lead US delegation to London Oly

US First Lady Michelle Obama would lead the US delegation to the opening ceremony of the Olympics in London this year, the White House announced.

The Games will serve as an inspiration to get more kids active and healthy, said Obama.

"In the months ahead, I'll be talking to Americans all across the country to encourage even more young people to tap into that Olympic spirit and turn their inspiration into action," said the First Lady.

"As the Olympic creed states, 'the most important thing is not to win, but to take part and that doesn't just mean sitting and watching, it means getting up and getting active as well."

I hope we use the upcoming Games as motivation for all of us to get up and get moving, she said.

"This is especially true for our young people," she said.

"You don't have to be a gold medal winner or the best athlete at your school to take part. You don't even have to play an organised sport. You can dance in the living room, ride your bike around the neighborhood, or go for a walk with your friends. Everyone can find some way to be healthy, get active, and have some fun," Obama said.

The First Lady made the announcement at an event with Samantha Cameron celebrating the Olympic Games and Obama's Let's Move! initiative.

"Today my work on behalf of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition is a way for me to give back to the country that supported me during my Olympic journey."

"Olympians are ambassadors of their country so it is only fitting that our nation's leaders show support for the Games.

"Mrs Obama's support will only further invigorate the athletes' desire to bring home the gold and motivate all Americans to be active," said Dominique Dawes, three-time Olympic gymnast and co-chair of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.

It is traditional for a delegation to travel to the Olympic Games to represent the United States.

In the coming months, the White House will announce the official delegates accompanying Michelle to London.

Other First Ladies that have led a Presidential Delegation to the Olympic Games include First Lady Laura Bush to the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy and then-First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton to the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway.