    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [July 21, 2008]
    [Pages 1039-1041]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks to the 2008 United States Summer Olympic and Paralympic Teams
    July 21, 2008

        Thanks. Welcome to the Rose Garden. Please sit down. We are thrilled
    to welcome members of the--America's 2008 Summer Olympic and Paralympic
    teams to the White House. Welcome.
        Today we honor skill and discipline. You're here because of the
    support of your coaches and your trainers and your families and your
    friends. They are proud of what you've accomplished, and so are the
    American people. And we're looking forward to rooting for you in
    Beijing.
        Mr. Secretary, thanks for coming. I want to welcome the U.S. Olympic
    Committee staff, welcome the military personnel who

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    are with us, and welcome the rest of you. [Laughter]
        In the coming days, around 600 American athletes will arrive in
    China for the 29th Olympic Games. You're going to compete in 30
    different sports, ranging from soccer to sailing and from judo to
    gymnastics. Together, the talented men and women of Team USA will
    represent the great diversity of our country. You come from nearly every
    State. Some of you are young--the youngest teammate is a 15-year-
    old diver--and some of you are old--er.
    [Laughter] There's a 58-year-old sailor,
    which gives this 62-year-old mountain biker hope--[laughter]--that you
    may need me in Beijing. [Laughter]
        Team USA shows the great power of sports to bring people together,
    and there's no sporting event that unites people like the Olympics. All
    Americans will rally behind you when you compete in Beijing.
        We will be fascinated by the different stories behind each athlete.
    We will marvel at your hard work and your discipline; for example, the
    story of Matt Grevers. Matt seemed like a
    long shot to qualify for the U.S. team in the 100-meter backstroke.
    Because his parents are Dutch, the Netherlands tried to recruit Matt to
    swim for their team, offering him nearly a certain trip to Beijing.
    Instead, he chose to compete for the U.S. team and ended up qualifying
    in both the freestyle and the backstroke. And when he swims in Beijing,
    it will be as a proud citizen of the United States of America.
        Or we think of the story of Lopez Lomong.
    When Lopez was just 6 years old, his family had to flee their village in
    Sudan when it was attacked by the Janjaweed. Lopez was separated from
    his family, who assumed he was dead. The little boy spent 3 years--3
    days running from the militants and then 10 years in refugee camps. He
    finally made it to our country as a teenager, and his athletic career
    took off. Earlier this month, Lopez qualified for the Olympics in the
    1500 meters. And now the boy who once had to run for his life is a man
    about to run for gold in Beijing, representing the United States of
    America.
        And we think about Scott Winkler. Scott
    didn't spend his whole life training to become an elite athlete, but
    athletic competition helped give Scott his life back. Scott was an Army
    specialist serving in Iraq when an accident cost him the use of his
    legs. He found healing in the Wounded Warrior Project, in his work to
    mentor young people, and in wheelchair sports. Last month, a magnificent
    throw earned Scott an American record and a spot on the U.S. Paralympic
    team. And here's the way he put it: ``I fought for this country, and now
    I'd love to win for this country in Beijing.'' Scott, we honor your
    service to our country, we thank you for coming today, and we'll be
    pulling for you.
        America's Olympians have two very important things in common: God-
    given talent and an appreciation for the hard work required to achieve
    true excellence. The amazing athletic displays we see on our TV every 4
    years result from the hard work that our athletes put in during the 4
    years. For us, it's a moment; for them, it's a moment--a life of
    dedication.
        Olympians don't rest on their laurels; they wear them. [Laughter]
    Being a champion takes character, yet also entails responsibility. In
    Beijing, you'll convey our Nation's most cherished values. As
    ambassadors of liberty, you will represent America's love for freedom
    and our regard for human rights and human dignity. You'll represent to
    other athletes and to the people of China. In Beijing, you'll also
    represent our Nation's character. As ambassadors of good will, you will
    be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. And by showing respect for
    your competitors, you will demonstrate America's respect for the world.
        Laura and I look forward to joining you for
    the Olympics. I'm fired up to go. [Laughter] I can't wait to salute our
    athletes, and I can't wait to share in the joy

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    of your triumphs. And so today we send you off with congratulations on
    the success you have already achieved and on the accomplishments we know
    will be yours in Beijing.
        May you and your teammates compete ``swifter, higher, and stronger''
    in the games. And may God bless you as you represent our wonderful
    Nation.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:05 a.m. in the Rose Garden at the White
    House.