Joe Biden to attend Winter Olympics opening ceremony

Biden will travel to Vancouver from Feb. 12 to Feb. 15 and would meet U.S. athletes, dignitaries, and world leaders.

President Barack Obama will skip the Winter Games this time. An official at the U.S. consulate in Vancouver said, “The president was in Ottawa last February and this year it's the vice-president's turn.”

The Winter Olympic Games will be officially opened by Governor General Michaelle Jean.

Biden to accompany wife to Canada
Biden will accompany wife Jill, close friend Valerie Jarrett, and U.S. ambassador to Canada David Jacobson to Vancouver.

Gold medalists Mike Eruzione, Peggy Fleming, and Vonetta Flowers will also be present.

“There is so much to look forward to in the coming Olympics and Paralympics. I hope our delegation will be joined by many other American sports fans traveling north of the border to enjoy the Games and cheer for our athletes,” said Jacobson.

“I have known the vice-president for a long time and I can tell you he loves sports. He was a great football and baseball player when he was younger, and he is an outstanding golfer these days,” he added.

Jacobson also said that he is going not only to attend the Olympics but also to support Team USA. He said, "I imagine I'll learn a thing or two from my Canadian friends about winter sports too."

A second delegation headed by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano will be going to Vancouver to attend the closing ceremony on Feb. 28.

That ceremony will also be attended by Susan Rice, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

Canada hosting Olympics for third time
The Winter Olympics, which are organized by the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC), are the third Olympics to be hosted by Canada.

Previously, Canada was home to the 1976 and 1988 Olympics. The Olympic flag, which was received in 2006, will also be on display at the Vancouver City hall this time.