U.S. Vice President Says "Thank You" to ANOC

(ATR) Vice President Joe Biden makes a surprise appearance on closing day of the Association of National Olympic Committee general assembly in Washington, D.C.

"I came to say thank you, thank you for the dedication each of you has shown to sport. It is the single unifying principle in the world," Biden said.

Biden spoke for five minutes Friday morning to the 500 delegates, noting the presence of more countries and territories, 204, than the United Nations.

"This is just like addressing the U.N general assembly without any differences. Welcome to Washington. The Association of National Olympic Committees and United States Olympic Committee are welcome representatives here.

"It’s an opportunity for all of us to gather together to celebrate our athletes together, because sport is the one area where you can be inspired even when you lose. Sport is the one area where you recognize raw talent, devoid of any other consideration. It is the one unifying element that the world can celebrate. I am delighted you are meeting here in this nation’s capital," said Biden.

Biden says he was urged to speak to the assembly a couple of days ago when he met with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, a fellow Democrat, who is attending the ANOC assembly on behalf of his city’s bid for the 2024 Olympics. Biden says Garcetti pointed out the need for him to put in an appearance at the assembly.

"My very good friend Mayor Garcetti of Los Angeles was having breakfast with me the other morning and he said you know I think there’s been an oversight. No one from the administration has been here to welcome this distinguished delegation of leaders from around the world. And he was right, there was an oversight and for that I apologize. I am a poor substitute but I am delighted to be here."

U.S. President Barack Obama was never expected to speak at the ANOC assembly. Hard feelings from the White House over the demise of the Chicago bid for the 2016 Olympics still linger.

Despite traveling to Copenhagen for the 2009 IOC Session and speeches by President Barack Obama and the First Lady, Chicago, their hometown, was eliminated in the first round of voting eventually won by Rio de Janeiro.

When the Los Angeles bid was confirmed in September, the White House issued a brief statement in support of the Los Angeles bid. In his remarks Friday, Biden carefully steered clear of a protocol-busting endorsement of the Los Angeles 2024.

"I am not here lobbying for any city even though I do love Los Angeles," he said with a smile.

The appearance of the Vice President interrupted the ANOC assembly just as leaders of the Rio 2016 Olympics were beginning their report. Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman cheerfully resumed after Biden finished, calling the visit a good sign for the 2016 Games – which Biden said he planned to attend.

"We are incredibly proud of all those young athletes who are competing to make our Olympic team. They represent in the United States probably folks from every one of your countries.

"There are very few people in this room representing their countries who don’t have their fellow countrymen who are American citizens. We take great pride in being the melting pot that we are. And that’s one of the reasons why we take so much overwhelming pride in participating in the Olympics as we always have," said the Vice President.

Prior to the speech, Biden met privately with IOC President Thomas Bach and ANOC President Sheikh Ahmad

Written and reported in Washington, D.C. by Ed Hula.

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