Obama's bowling joke sparks controversy

President Barack Obama's comment about his bowling score on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno has upset organisers of the Special Olympics.

When asked about the White House bowling alley during last night's appearance on the programme, Obama said that his average score "was like the Special Olympics or something", The AP reports.

"Obama thinks that the Special Olympics are a wonderful programme that gives an opportunity to shine to people with disabilities from around the world," deputy press secretary Bill Burton said.

Special Olympics chairman Timothy Shriver revealed that Obama called him to apologise for the comment.

"He expressed his disappointment and he apologised in a way that was very moving. He expressed that he did not intend to humiliate this population," Shriver said.

However, he added: "I think it's important to see that words hurt and words do matter. And these words that in some respect can be seen as humiliating or a put-down to people with special needs do cause pain and they do result in stereotypes."