Washington, DC – On Friday, June 24th, Dr. Jill Biden will lead a Presidential Delegation to the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece. Dr. Biden and the Delegation will join approximately 7,000 athletes from more than 170 countries worldwide, their families, as well as thousands of coaches, family members, volunteers and spectators. Special Olympics programs serve more than 3.7 million people with intellectual disabilities.
The Delegation will participate in a number of events during their visit, including: the lighting of the Flame of Hope on Friday, June 24th; the Opening Ceremonies on Saturday, June 25th; and the Special Olympics Aquatic Competition on Sunday, June 26th. They will also attend a dedication ceremony for the naming of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Square on Sunday, June 26th.
While in Greece, Dr. Biden will also meet with staff and families at the U.S. Embassy in Athens. In addition, she will join Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus on the USS Ramage to visit with Sailors and offer thanks for their service to our Nation.
The Presidential Delegation will include:
- The Honorable Daniel B. Smith, U.S. Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic, Department of State
- The Honorable Ann Stock, Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of State
- The Honorable Kareem Dale, Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy
- The Honorable Micki Edelsohn, Member, President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities
- Mr. Bart Conner, Olympic Champion in Gymnastics, Special Olympics Executive Board Member
- Mr. Kenneth Melvin, Special Olympics Global Manager