President Obama announced the Presidential Delegations to the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russian Federation. Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will not be attending, and neither will their wives.
Openly gay athletes Billie Jean King and Caitlin Cahow are among those selected to attend. Russia has been under fire for months due to its anti-LGBT laws, with some people calling for a boycott of Russian-made products, and of the Olympics themselves.
UPDATE: Skater Brian Boitano came out as gay Dec. 19. See www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Gold-medal-skater-Brian-Boitano-comes-out/45602.html .
The Opening Ceremony of the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russian Federation will be held on Feb. 7, 2014:
The delegation will attend athletic events, meet with U.S. athletes, and attend the Opening Ceremony.
The Honorable Janet A. Napolitano, President of the University of California, will lead the delegation.
The Honorable Michael A. McFaul, U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation.
The Honorable Robert L. Nabors, Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy.
The Honorable Billie Jean King, member of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Brian A. Boitano, Olympic gold medalist, figure skating.
Presidential Delegation to the Closing Ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games:
The Closing Ceremony of the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russian Federation will be held on Feb. 23, 2014.
The delegation will attend athletic events, meet with U.S. athletes, and attend the Closing Ceremony.
The Honorable William J. Burns, Deputy Secretary of State, will lead the delegation.
The Honorable Michael A. McFaul, U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation.
Bonnie Blair, five-time Olympic gold medalist and one-time bronze medalist, speed skating.
Caitlin Cahow, Olympic silver medalist and bronze medalist, women's ice hockey.
Dr. Eric Heiden, five-time Olympic gold medalist, speed skating.