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Shelley Osterloh ReportingMany of our 2006 Winter Olympians and Paralympians are visiting with President Bush today. It is a tradition after every Olympic Games. Today Mr. Bush thanked the US Olympians for representing their country and dignity, and for the lasting memories they provided.
About a 140 Olympians and 50 paralympians made the trip to the White House. Many of them got signed autographs and a chance to talk with the president.
George W. Bush, President of the United States: "In the games you showed the best values of our country. You were humble in victory and gracious in defeat. You made us proud."
In a ceremony on the White House lawn, the president commended athletes like Utah's Steve Cook, the paralympic Cross country skier who has won seven medals including two golds and a bronze in Torino, and Park City's Lindsey Kildow for her courage to race and win gold after a horrible fall.
George W. Bush, President of the United States: "We appreciate Joey Cheek, and when he won the gold and then turned around and donated 40-thousand dollars to the refugee children of Sudan. What a wonderful example for all of us here in America to know that with our personal victories comes the responsibilities of helping those who suffer and need help. We are honored that the Flying Tomato represented our country and we want to thank all of the dudes and duddesses of the snowboarders who are here."
The athletes presented the President and his wife with an Olympic Torch. Salt lake Resident and Gold medal Speedskater Chris Witty spoke for the athletes.
Chris Witty: " Many of us standing here today were with you as you stood among us for the opening ceremonies in Salt Lake City, and your commitment to us as athletes and individuals has not diminished during your term in office."
The ceremony wrapped up a three-day visit to the nation's capital for the athletes, who thought they had seen and heard everything possible about their Olympic adventure until Bush came up with "dudesses." Gold medal snowboarder Kelly Clark just said, "We don't really use that one too much."
