For Immediate Release
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Vice President
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 and thousands of coaches, 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, 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 Messenger
MEDIA DETAILS:
**All times listed are local. For press logistics questions, please contact Talley Sergent at SergentRT@state.gov.**
Friday, June 24th:
8:30 AM Dr. Biden and Delegation arrive in Athens, Greece
Location: Athens International Airport, Eleftherios Venizelos
*CLOSED PRESS
11:30 AM Dr. Biden visits the USS Ramage with Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus
*POOLED PRESS
Please contact Talley Sergent at SergentRT@state.gov for more information.
6:00 PM Dr. Biden and Delegation attend the lighting of the Flame of Hope with law enforcement officers from around the world
Media inquiries should be directed to Mandy Murphy at mamurphy@specialolympics.org, +1-202-459-7561, or +30-698-511-2599.
Saturday, June 25th:
12:20 PM Dr. Biden meets with Team USA Athletes, coaches and supporters
*OPEN PRESS
This event is open press, but space is limited.
Please contact Talley Sergent at SergentRT@state.gov for more information.
8:00 PM Dr. Biden and Delegation attend the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Game Opening Ceremonies
*OPEN PRESS
Location: Kallimarmaro Panathinaiko Stadium
This event is open press, but advanced credentialing is required; media inquiries should be directed to Mandy Murphy at murphy@specialolympics.org, +1-202-459-7561, or +30-698-511-2599.
Sunday, June 26th:
1:00 PM Dr. Biden attends the naming of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Square, Maroussi
*OPEN PRESS
This event is open press, but space is limited.
Please contact Talley Sergent at SergentRT@state.gov for more information.
2:30 PM Dr. Biden and Delegation attend the Special Olympics Aquatic Competition
*OPEN PRESS
Location: Olympic Aquatic Centre
This event is open press, but advanced credentialing is required; media inquiries should be directed to Mandy Murphy at mamurphy@specialolympics.org, +1-202-459-7561, or +30-698-511-2599.
Monday, June 27th:
5:00 PM Dr. Biden Meets with U.S. Embassy Athens staff and families
*CLOSED PRESS
Tuesday, June 28th:
10:00 AM Dr. Biden departs Athens, Greece en route to Washington, DC
*CLOSED PRESS