INTERVIEW-Olympics-Tokyo bid chief welcomes Obama at IOC vote

COPENHAGEN, Sept 29 (Reuters) - The presence of U.S. President Barack Obama at the IOC election for the 2016 Games is good for the Olympic movement and a motivation for the Tokyo candidacy, bid chief Ichiro Kono said on Tuesday.

With the International Olympic Committee vote set to be held in the Danish capital on Friday, Obama announced on Monday he would attend the election where Chicago is bidding against Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro and Madrid for the right to host the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Some bid cities had months ago expressed concern over what they called the "Obama factor" and the possible influence of the president's presence in Copenhagen to sway votes in favour of the city where he has spent much of his political life.

Obama had initially informed IOC chief Jacques Rogge he would not be attending, sending First Lady Michelle Obama in his place, only to change his mind later.

"We understand all of the cities have their heads of state," Kono told Reuters in an interview. "I am not surprised (Obama is attending). It is a good thing for the Olympic movement and it is good for the tough race."

Obama will fly in early on Friday and go straight from Copenhagen airport in a 24-car convoy to the Bella Convention Centre where he and his wife will enter the IOC session.

SENIOR OFFICIALS

The other candidates will also be bringing their most senior officials.

Brazilian president Luis Inacio Lula da Silva will be part of the Rio team, King Juan Carlos of Spain will back Madrid's bid and newly-elected Japanese prime minister Yukio Hatoyama will support Tokyo.

"We are very confident ... we have Prime Minister Hatoyama with us. We have a perfect team," said Kono ahead of what is seen as a tight race with no clear favourite.

Hatoyama will also be addressing the IOC session during Tokyo's final presentation hours before the vote.

"It is good for us that heads of state have an interest in the Olympic movement," Kono had earlier told a news conference when asked about Obama's presence.

"It is tough for our bid but it encourages us more. We welcome it."

(Editing by Tony Jimenez. To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)