Press Release
☷Remarks by First Lady Jill Biden at TEAM USA Olympic and Paralympic Athletes Visit
White House ( By Press Release office)
May 04,2022
| 6| 0
The White House11:43 A . M . EDTTHE FIRST LADY: Thank you so much . And I — I would like to say thank you to the band , who has been playing since 8:30 this morning . Can we say thank you ( Applause . ) So , hello , Olympians and Paralympians . Welcome to the White House! ( Applause . ) Doug and I were so grateful to see your Games in Japan . And Tokyo was the first time I had the opportunity to see a three - on - three women’s basketball game , and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time . It was everything I love about sports . Oh , you guys can sit down . ( Laughter . ) I’ll start again: It was everything I love about sports — the moment when the team shows to — seems to know each other’s thoughts; the air is electric with that connection; when the crowd is breathing with one breath , our hearts racing to the rhythm of each thump of the ball; every basket pure joy . As I watched Stefanie , Allisha , Kelsey , and Jackie on — fly back and forth on that court , only one thing mattered to the crowd: We were all Team USA . ( Applause . ) That’s the power of what all of you do . You don’t just play a game , run a race , hit a target , or win a competition . With every step , jump , roll , kick , and twirl , you show us the heights of our human potential . You show us how to fail and then get back up . You teach us that hard work and sacrifice and determination can push us beyond what we ever thought was in our reach . When we cheer you on , we are more than our cities or our states or our backgrounds . We are a part of something bigger than ourselves . You help us believe in the impossible and leave our differences behind . Now , I know that these games may not have been exactly as you once imagined — with stadiums packed with people and all of your loved ones screaming from the sidelines . But you are all champions just the same . ( Applause . ) Becoming an Olympian or a Paralympian is a rare accomplishment in a normal time , but you did it during a global pandemic . You are forever one of the most elite , most celebrated athletes in this world . I hope that you are proud of everything you have accomplished , because we all are . We are so proud of you . ( Applause . ) And we are grateful for the gifts you’ve given us: the hope , the joy , the unity — and , most of all , the chance to see you soar . Thank you . ( Applause . ) And now , an even greater fan of Team USA , my husband , our President , Joe Biden . ( Applause . ) END 11:47 A . M . EDT
PLAY the NEWS
* May be useful for visually impaired persons .
Press release information:
Direct link to press release:
Click here .
