Boston chosen as US Olympic bid city

A Boston summer Olympic Games has taken a small step closer to becoming a reality.

The US Olympic Committee has chosen the city as the US official candidate for the 2024 Olympic Games, beating out rival bids from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington DC.

"We’re excited about our plans to submit a bid for the 2024 Games and feel we have an incredibly strong partner in Boston that will work with us to present a compelling bid," USOC Chairman Larry Probst said in a statement.

The decision was hailed by Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh as "an exceptional honor."

"This selection is in recognition of our city’s talent, diversity and global leadership. Our goal is to host an Olympic and Paralympic Games that are innovative, walkable and hospitable to all," Walsh said.

Boston will put forward as the US bid city but faces stiff competition from a host of other cities worldwide.

Rome has confirmed it will run and other bids are expected from Germany, France and possibly South Africa.

There is also strong opposition to a Boston bid closer to home.

The group No Boston Olympics has been vocal in its opposition to hosting the games and has gained support among some Bostonians.

It has previously criticized the bidding process for its lack of transparency.

The International Olympic Committee will choose the winning host city for the 2024 Games in 2017.