The U.S. Conference of Mayors on Monday passed a resolution supporting Chicago's bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The resolution encourages all Americans to support Chicago's bid and embrace the ideals of the Olympic Movement.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors passed the resolution at their annual meeting, currently taking place in Los Angeles. The annual meeting is being hosted by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who took the lead in shepherding through the resolution.

"This resolution is a clear sign of the unwavering, bipartisan support for Chicago's bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games and shows that leaders from around America respect the ideals and guidelines that have sustained the Olympic Movement over the years," said Chicago 2016 chairman and CEO Patrick G. Ryan. "It's another positive development in an incredibly exciting process."

"I want to thank Mayor Daley and the Conference for their continued support of our efforts. I'd also like to thank the Conference not just for recognizing the benefits the Games can bring to our community, region and country, but also the benefits that having the Games in America can have on the Olympic Movement."

"It's an exciting time to be a Chicagoan as we continue to embrace sport and celebrate excellence."