by MALLORY KARL Best Buddies Participants Caitlin Coughlan and Michael Pasquale with Delaware’s Sen. Carper Pasquale (left) and Coughlan (center) with Vice President Biden and Special Olympics Athletes Delaware’s Congressman Castle with Coughlan and Pasquale Best Buddies Delaware participants represented Best Buddies and Special Olympics in Washington D.C. at Capitol Hill Day. Caitlin Coughlan and Michael Pasquale spent Wednesday, January 27th on Capitol Hill encouraging members of Congress to pass the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act, a joint effort by Best Buddies and Special Olympics to gain funding for its worldwide programs that provide much-needed services for people with intellectual disabilities. "There are a lot of people here in Washington, D.C., working to make laws," Pasquale said in between meetings. "And that's why we are here." "Hill Day" was a success, with Coughlan and Pasquale getting to talk to Sen. Tom Carper and Rep. Mike Castle. Coughlan and Pasquale made sure to remind them of just how important Best Buddies and Special Olympics are in Delaware. Ending the trip to Capitol Hill, Coughlan and Pasquale had a special surprise. The two were given the opportunity to join Vice President Joe Biden at his Washington D.C. residence. The three Delawareans talked about the importance of Best Buddies and Special Olympics in Delaware. The Vice President made the two feel welcome in his home and took the time to truly get to know them. "It was really neat to meet the Vice President in person," Coughlan said shortly after returning to Delaware. "It would have been cool no matter what, but the fact that he's from my home state made it even more exciting." Best Buddies was thrilled to have Coughlan and Pasquale representing them at this important and exciting event.