Michelle Obama kicks off 100-day countdown to Rio Olympics with US Olympians

US First Lady Michelle Obama delivers a speech during the Team USA's "Road to Rio Tour" activity at Times Square in New York, the United States, on April 27, 2016. Team USA's "Road to Rio Tour" was held at Times Square on Wednesday to mark the 100-Day countdown to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. More than 70 Olympic and Paralympic athletes participated in the event and shared their spirit and excitement of the Games with fans here. [Photo/Xinhua]

NEW YORK - US First Lady Michelle Obama on Wednesday started the 100-day countdown to the opening of 2016 Rio Olympic Games at Times Square, Midtown Manhattan, together with more than 70 Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

As part of the "Road to Rio" tour hosted by the United States Olympic Committee, the event attracted thousands of locals and tourists to meet Olympic athletes at close range, and to participate in interactive sport games including basketball and fencing.

"I'm here today not just as the First Lady, but as a real lifelong die-hard Olympics fan," said the first lady.

As a long-time advocate for healthy lifestyles of Americans, Michelle Obama also stressed the significant impact that the Olympic Games may bring to the nation's young people.

"The Olympics are about inspiring young people here at home, to get them active and to live up to the example that our Olympic and Paralympic athletes have always set with their dedication, their determination, their unyielding commitment to excellence," said Michelle Obama.