The former Chicago Bulls superstar is in two ads entitled "Let Friendship Shine".

 

In one of the 30-second spots, Jordan calls the opportunity to represent his country in the Olympics "one of the proudest moments" of his life.

 

Jordan won gold medals with the United States Olympic basketball teams in 1984 and 1992.

 

In the second spot, Jordan talks about his friendship with Paralympian April Holmes, an amputee who won a gold medal in the 100 metres in Beijing last year.
 

Holmes, heralded as the world's fastest amputee, is the first woman to represent the Jordan brand, which he has launched in conjunction with his long-time sponsor Nike.

 

Jordan was among several Olympians and well-known figures, including President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, who appeared in promotional videos for the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Evaluation Commission last month.

 

The adverts began appearing on local channels in Chicago last night.

 

“I’ve had some tremendous memories during my professional basketball career,” Jordan says in one of the spots.

 

“But the memory of standing as a representative of the United States at the Olympics is one of the proudest moments of my life.

 

"You step up on that podium representing your country.

 

"There’s no greater honor than doing that,” he said, adding: “The Olympic Spirit, it’s alive in Chicago.”

 

 

 

Of Holmes (pictured), who lost her lower left leg in an accident eight years ago, he said:: "What a tremendous lady.

 

"Any time I see her, I go over and give her a big hug because of the motivation that she gives all of us - just by looking at her and understanding her dedication to the sport, her dedication to life." 

 

Chicago 2016 bid chairman Patrick Ryan said, "Having athletes like Michael and April appear in our PSAs (public service announcements) reinforces the support we have from the athlete community while giving the people of Chicago a glimpse into how the Olympic Movement changed their lives."

 

Chicago is the favourites to follow London and host the 2016 Olympics but faces strong competition from Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo.

 

The IOC is due to announce its decision at its Session in Copenhagen on October 2.