President Obama Says Sorry For "Special Olympics" Joke

President Barack Obama has apologized for the offhand joke he made with Jay Leno on NBC's "Tonight Show."

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Obama was trying to keep the mood light when he was discussing his bowling skills to Leno on the show. He was quoted saying "like Special Olympics or something" when he referred to his game scores.

White House spokesman Bill Burton has issued a statement on Friday, saying, "The President made an offhand remark making fun of his own bowling that was in no way intended to disparage the Special Olympics. He thinks that the Special Olympics are a wonderful program that gives an opportunity to shine to people with disabilities from around the world."

Special Olympics chairman Tim Shriver has accepted the chief executive's sorry when he called from Air Force One before the show aired on Thursday.

Shriver told ABC's "Good Morning America, "He expressed his disappointment and apologized. He was very sincere."

He also said that "words hurt and words do matter, and these words that in some respect can be seen as humiliating... do cause pain" and hoped that the president's mistake can be a "teachable moment for our country."