V.P. Biden heading to Special Olympics

BOISE, Idaho, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- Vice President Joe Biden will head up a delegation to the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho, Thursday, the White House says.

About 2,500 athletes from nearly 100 countries will compete in the world games. More than 2.8 million people with disabilities take part in Special Olympics programs worldwide.

Biden and the rest of the presidential delegation will watch the final round of the figure skating competition. The vice president will congratulate and present medals to the athletes.

Biden also will host a reception for Special Olympics athletes, their families and volunteers.

The presidential delegation will include: U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan; U.S. Rep. Walt Minnick, D-Idaho; Susan Axelrod, president of Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy; Chester Finn, president of Self Advocates Becoming Empowered; Ralph Cetrulo, president of Delaware Special Olympics; Mark Shriver, head of U.S. programs for Save the Children; Lisa Brown, assistant to the president; and former Olympic figure skaters Michelle Kwan and Scott Hamilton.