BOISE - While organizers are still trying to raise the millions needed to put on the Special Olympics, the list of VIP attendees is growing.

AP

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama officially accepted an invitation to the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics 2009 World Winter Games.

That will be held in Boise in February.

Following that appearance, his holiness is expected to personally visit with some of the athletes.

The Dalai Lama visited Idaho for a large gathering in Ketchum on September 11^th, 2005.