VP’S WIFE A VIP FROM USA SO MIND THE Ps AND Qs, OK?

The athletes’ village had a visitor: Tipper Gore, wife of Vice President Al.

She congratulated the women’s hockey gold medalists, and was presented an American team uniform by the U.S. Olympic Committee.

The veep’s wife will sit in the VIP section at Sunday’s closing ceremony. The music presumably will be to her satisfaction and not require a “parental guidance” label, of which she is so fond.

IN FACT, THEY’LL PAY KIDS TO COME WATCH CURLING

The 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics are considering additional women’s events such as bobsled and ski jumping.

Frank Joklik, president of the SLOC, says he also hopes to continue the NHL’s involvement with the Olympics, which requires the NHL to suspend business in midseason.

Salt Lake officials also will try to see that every child in Utah will be able to attend at least one event for free.