Shani Davis, Chicago Olympian, with Michelle Obama, Durbin, Obama

WASHINGTON–Chicago Olympian speed skating star Shani Davis and other Olympians visit the White House and Capitol Hill on Wednesday. Davis–a Chicagoan who trained in Evanston will be meeting with Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and wil be at events with First Lady Michelle Obama.

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With First Lady Michelle Obama…..

(from the White House)

Prior to the afternoon event with Vancouver Olympians that the First Lady will co-host at the White House with President Obama, Mrs. Obama will highlight physical activity as a critical element of the Let’s Move! initiative with several Olympians and Paralympians Wednesday morning at the DC River Terrace School. She will be joined by 2010 Olympians Shani Davis and Hannah Kearney and 2010 Paralympians Alana Nichols and Heath Calhoun. In addition to promoting the need for kids to get 60 minutes of active play a day, the US Olympians will promote the Olympic philosophy of excellence, friendship and respect.

Background on Durbin meeting…..

The Shani Davis meeting is mostly a courtesy visit while he is in town. Durbin was often in communication with the USOC and the City of Chicago during the City’s bid for the 2016 Games (meeting with the Mayor, the Chicago 2016 organization and introducing a resolution in support of the bid). He also recently joined the Congressional Olympic and Paralympic Caucus, chaired by Senators Hatch, Bennet, Klobuchar and Isakson.

Desiree Filippone with the U.S.O.C will also be in the meeting. The USOC’s Independent Advisory Committee, led by former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, recently completed its report making recommendations on the Olympic Committee’s leadership structure. USOC Chairman Larry Probst appointed Tagliabue to lead the committee in the wake of Chicago’s failed bid for the 2016 Games.