Government: Vice President

Vice President Joe Biden in Boise Thursday to Lead Presidential Delegation to World Special Olympics

By Jill Kuraitis, 2-10-09

UPDATE, THURSDAY MORNING:
The AP reports that Air Force Two will be late because of bad weather, and Minnick has decided to stay in Washington because of his work load. “I very much regret not being able to attend the World Special Olympics Winter Games today with Vice President Biden,” Idaho Congressman Walt Minnick said. “My duties in the U.S. House of Representatives kept me in Washington, D.C., but I’m glad to know the visit is shining even more positive attention on such a fantastic event. The Games have been great for Idaho, and I am pleased that Vice President Biden will today get to see great performances which are representative of so many wonderful athletes, coaches and volunteers.”

Here’s what they tell us:

Vice President Joe Biden will lead a Presidential Delegation to the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho on Thursday, February 12. Vice President Biden and the delegation will join approximately 2,500 athletes from nearly 100 countries worldwide, their families, as well as thousands of coaches, family members, volunteers and spectators for the largest international sporting event this year. Special Olympics programs serve more than 2.8 million people with intellectual disabilities.

The Delegation will observe the Final Round of the Figure Skating Competition and the Vice President will congratulate and present medals to the athletes. Following the medal ceremony, the Delegation will visit the Special Olympics’ Healthy Athletes Event to learn about this ongoing, worldwide program in which athletes receive a variety of health screenings and services.  The Vice President will then host a reception for Special Olympics athletes, their families and volunteers.  The Vice President will offer remarks at the reception.

The Presidential Delegation will include:
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan
United States Representative Walt Minnick (D-ID)
Susan Axelrod, President, Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy
Chester Finn, President, Self Advocates Becoming Empowered
Ralph Cetrulo, President, Delaware Special Olympics
Mark Shriver, Head of U.S. Programs for Save the Children
Lisa Brown, Assistant to the President
Michelle Kwan, former Olympic Figure Skater
Scott Hamilton, former Olympic Figure Skater

Biden will arrive about 10:15 a.m., which is the only time reporters will be anywhere near him.  The rest of his visit will be covered by a pooled situation, where one TV channel and one print reporter get all the access, but their work product can be used by any media outlet.

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