From Erika Bolstad in Washington D.C. --

Gov. Sarah Palin just released a statement on President Barack Obama's gaffe about the Special Olympics last night on the Tonight Show.

"I was shocked to learn of the comment made by President Obama about Special Olympics," said Palin, whose son, Trig, was born with Down syndrome last year. "This was a degrading remark about our world’s most precious and unique people, coming from the most powerful position in the world."

"These athletes overcome more challenges, discrimination and adversity than most of us ever will. By the way, these athletes can outperform many of us and we should be proud of them," Palin added. "I hope President Obama’s comments do not reflect how he truly feels about the special needs community."

If you haven't seen the exchange between the president and Jay Leno, toward the end of the interview, the Tonight Show host ribs Obama about his less-than-stellar bowling skills. Here's the transcript:

LENO: I imagine the bowling alley has been just burned and closed down.
THE PRESIDENT: No, no. I have been practicing all –- (laughter.)
LENO: Really? Really?
THE PRESIDENT: I bowled a 129. (Laughter and applause.)
LENO: No, that's very good. Yes. That's very good, Mr. President.
THE PRESIDENT: It's like -- it was like Special Olympics, or something. (Laughter.)
LENO: No, that's very good.
THE PRESIDENT: No, listen, I'm making progress on the bowling, yes.

White House spokesman Bill Burton released this statement shortly after the Leno appearance last night: "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."

En route from the Leno taping in California, the president also called the chairman of the Special Olympics, Tim Shriver, to apologize. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger also weighed in. His wife, Maria Shriver, is Tim Shriver's brother; their mother founded the Special Olympics. Both Schwarzenegger and his wife have served as Special Olympics ambassadors -- the California had this to say outside the White House this afternoon.

"I know where his heart is at," Schwarzenegger said. "He loves Special Olympics, and he will do everything he can to help Special Olympics. And everyone of us sometimes makes a mistake. Something comes out of your mouth and you say 'Oops, I wish I wouldn’t have said that.' I’ve had many of those."

Maria Shriver was a little more critical: "While I am confident that President Obama never intended to offend anyone, the response that his comments have caused, coupled with the reaction of a prime time audience, demonstrate the need to continue to educate the non-disabled community on the issues that confront those with a developmental disability. My mother has dedicated her life to fighting stereotypes and ridicule for this community, and there is still much work to be done."

"The President’s apology for his comments and his commitment to bringing the Special Olympics to the White House are important first steps in shedding light on this important issue. Often times we don’t realize that when we laugh at comments like this it hurts millions of people throughout the world. People with special needs are great athletes and productive citizens, and I look forward to working with the President to knock down myths and stereotypes about this community."