Michelle Obama has been chosen to lead the U.S. delegation to the opening ceremonies for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. The White House is celebrating the news through press release, but what has become a tradition for first ladies is a perfect opportunity to educate the nation on fitness and healthy eating. In advance of the upcoming athletic endeavor, Mrs. Obama hosted a mini-Olympic competition with physical activities for D.C.-area children at American University.

The event served as part of Mrs. Obama's "Let's Move!" initiative to promote healthy food habits and fitness. Olympians and Paralympians including Kortney Clemons, Dominique Dawes, April Holmes, Lisa Leslie, Lori Ann Lindsey, Dan O'Brien, Becky Sauerbrunn and David Wagner led children in competitions that included basketball, soccer, tennis and relay races. Michelle Obama follows Laura Bush (2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy) and Hillary Rodham Clinton (1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway) to lead the U.S. delegation.

Is there a better platform than the upcoming Olympics to encourage healthy living?