President Obama to create new US Office of Youth Sport

US President Barack Obama is forming a White House Office of Olympic, Paralympic and Youth Sport.

The office will promote the values of the Olympic movement and encourage increased youth participation in athletics. The primary function of the office will be to enhance awareness of the Olympic movement through promotion of its fundamental principles at the US Federal Government level.

The new office will recommend federal policies and programs to the President to enhance opportunities and access for youth participation in sport, with particular focus on youth in urban areas. It will also foster and encourage youth sport, educational and cultural events involving Olympic values-based programs and the participation of US Olympians and Paralympians.

Announcing the new body, President Obama stated "it is an important goal of my administration to give our nationâs children every possible tool they need to grow, learn and succeed in life.

"A key part of this is increasing access to healthy, constructive activities like sports for our nation's children. Too many American kids - particularly those in urban areas - have no access to organised sporting activities. Sports are an important way to instill values, judgment and teamwork in our nation's kids, and this new office reflects our commitment to giving all our children a chance to thrive.

"As the International Olympic Committee moves forward with their selection process we hope that this new office can serve as a model for youth involvement worldwide."