Face to face with the alternative Chicago 2016 delegation - and they aren't happy

THEY might be small in number but don't doubt the passionate commitment to the cause of the smallest delegation in Copenhagen.

ACTIVIST: Tom Tresser is a vocal member of the No Games Chicago group - which is in Copenhagen praying for a Madrid, Rio or Tokyo win

Chicago's 2016 bid might have the Obamas and Oprah but a rival three-man team is equally determined, although their hotel is not so fancy.

They don't have much budget - just some photocopied leaflets in a box - but Martin Macias, Tom Tresser and Rhoda Whitehorse are passionate about the Olympics.

Passionate about not having them anywhere near their hometown.

After watching London 2012's costs spiral, they founded No Games Chicago - which has lobbied dozens of meetings, held public protests and twice crossed the Atlantic to take their case to the heart of the Olympic movement, without, it must be said, much success.

No Games Chicago has not ruled out a legal challenge if the bid is successful in Friday's vote and claim money would be better spent on schools, housing, hospitals and transport. 

Six-term Chicago mayor Richard Daley - a vocal champion of the 2016 bid - is their chief target, although his current poll numbers make Gordon Brown look popular.

But Tresser is really fuming about the imminent arrival of President Obama to stump for votes in a race most believe is too close to call.

"I'm very disappointed that our President is wasting his time to come to Copenhagen," he said.

"I can't afford health insurance, I pay $15,000 just to have a band aid.

"We sent him to Washington to sort of these problems and that should be his focus - not the waste of money that is this attempt to stage the Olympics."

President Obama is due to leave Washington's Andrews Air Base in the next few hours, arriving in Denmark in time for Chicago's breakfast time presentation.

He'll be back in the air by the time the result is announced tomorrow evening.

Meanwhile, First Lady Michelle arrived at tonight's opening ceremony at Copenhagen's Royal Opera House in a colour familiar with Olympic winners - gold.

* Follow extensive coverage of the 121st IOC Session in Copenhagen, with breaking news reports and analysis from Sportsbeat's James Toney and Gerard Meagher in Copenhagen - www.morethanthegames.co.uk/121st-ioc-session

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