[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 20 (Monday, May 21, 2001)]
[Pages 749-750]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks Honoring the 2000 Women's National Basketball Association 
Champion Houston Comets

May 14, 2001

    Well, thank you all for coming. It's my honor to welcome the first 
Texas team to the White House since I've been fortunate enough to be the 
President. It seems like it's becoming quite a habit.
    Thank you very much, Nancy, for coming. It's my honor to welcome two 
Texas Congressmen: Ken Bentsen and John Culberson. We welcome you all 
here, as well. I understand that Val Ackerman is here, and I want to 
congratulate you for your vision; a true sports entrepreneur who has 
really put the effort and energy to make the WNBA the success it has 
been. America owes you a debt of gratitude, particularly a dad of twins 
owes you a debt of gratitude--women twins.
    I want to thank the coach for coming, as well. It turns out every 
single championship team that comes to the White House has got a lot of 
ingredients, but one is a coach that is really good at what he does. So 
Mr. Coach, congratulations on returning, and I suspect I'll see you here 
next year.
    I love the idea of women's--of heralding women's athletics. And one 
of the great things about the Comets is that you've proven that you're 
some of the greatest athletes in the world, but also some of the 
greatest people in the world. I had the honor of living in the State of 
Texas when Sheryl was playing for Texas Tech. And I remember how proud 
we were--and I also remember--when you won the national championship. 
But I also remember watching you and Cynthia Cooper and other stars, 
when it comes to character, perform your acts of kindness in our 
communities around the State of Texas.
    I think the WNBA also is--not only showcases athletic talent but it 
attracts a lot of young fans to see their stars perform. And

[[Page 750]]

so I want to thank our young fans who are here today.
    I'm also mindful that those of us in positions of responsibility 
must uphold the responsibility with dignity and class. And this 
franchise has done that. I know your hard work in the Houston area when 
it comes to helping people who may have cancer. I know of your work in 
the neighborhoods around Houston, by putting on clinics to teach young 
men and women what it means to have clean minds and clean bodies. And 
for that, I'm grateful. And for that, I welcome you to the White House 
and congratulate you on being true champs.

Note: The President spoke at 4:22 p.m. in the East Room at the White 
House. In his remarks, he referred to Nancy Alexander, wife of Houston 
Comets owner Leslie Alexander; Val Ackerman, president, Women's National 
Basketball Association; and coach Van Chancellor, player Sheryl Swoopes, 
WNBA 2000 Player of the Year, and retired player Cynthia Cooper, Houston 
Comets.