Wednesday, February 11, 2009

VP Biden to visit World Winter Games of Special Olympics Feb. 12

From the Idaho Statesman. KTVB-TV in Idaho has noted the lack of media coverage of the 2009 World Winter Games of Special Olympics in Idaho.

Vice President Joe Biden will attend the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games Thursday, the White House has confirmed.

Biden's press secretary, Elizabeth Alexander, told the Idaho Statesman on Feb. 9. morning that Biden will attend one or more competitions, welcome foreign athletes and thank volunteers for their help.

Details of his visit have yet to be announced, including the location and time, but Alexander said Biden was likely to be in Idaho mid-day Feb. 12.

Biden also will speak about the Obama administration's "commitment to advance the concerns of the disability community," Alexander said in an e-mail.

Among those scheduled to travel with Biden are Education Secretary Arne Duncan, Idaho Democratic Rep. Walt Minnick and Olympic figure skaters Michelle Kwan and Scott Hamilton.