First couple plans to host Olympic athletes at White House as part of obesity initiative

White House to host Olympic athletes next week

WASHINGTON — America’s Olympic athletes are preparing for another honor — a visit to the White House.

Members of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams will be the guests next week of President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama.

The White House says the Obamas will congratulate the athletes on their performance at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games and thank them for representing the country. The United States won 37 Olympic medals and 13 Paralympic medals. The 37-medal total, which included nine gold, was a record for the Olympic Winter Games.

Obama and his wife also plan to promote the first lady’s “Let’s Move!” campaign aimed at childhood obesity.

The White House gathering is set for April 21 with details to come.