University of California President Janet Napolitano will lead the United States’ delegation of athletes in the 2014 Winter Olympics opening ceremony, officials announced Tuesday.
President Barack Obama asked the former secretary of Homeland Security to walk in the ceremony, which will take place on Feb. 7 in Sochi, Russia.
“I look forward to being in Sochi to support our Olympic athletes and celebrate their accomplishments,” Napolitano said in a statement. “It is an honor to represent our country in the company of individuals who have excelled in life and sport.”
Napolitano has long been an avid sports fan, said Dianne Klein, University spokeswoman. Napolitano also led the U.S. delegation during the closing ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada.
Compiled by Kristen Taketa, Bruin senior staff