Celtics Celebrate Win with White House Visit
CELTICS
Worcester Telegram and Gazette
Rachel Kolokoff
Boston University Washington News Service
September 19, 2008
WASHINGTON – The Boston Celtics joined President George W. Bush at the White House Friday to celebrate the team’s 17th NBA championship. The president spoke briefly, honoring the sportsmanship that brought the team their first win in 22 years.
“I welcome the Boston Celtics team that has brought great pride to the Boston area,” Bush said. “As you know, I went to school up there and that was when the Celtics were awesome.”
Speaking to some 150 people including members of Congress, the armed forces and Celtics fans, the president said this year’s win surprised “the experts,” who did not think the team would end more than two decades of championship drought.
“At the beginning of last season, few would have predicted how this season would have ended,” he said. “After all, the Celtics had finished with the second worst record in the NBA.”
He and other baby boomers, he said, were “reminded of a great basketball rivalry” when the Celtics took on the Lakers in June, clinching the title in Game 6 of the NBA Finals.
The president also praised the Celtics coaching staff including head coach Glenn “Doc” Rivers.
“He brought character to the club house,” Bush said. “He brought unity to the team and he helped bring the championship back to Boston.”
The president also praised the Celtics for their community involvement, including work done with The Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation and the Heroes Among Us program.
“It’s a really good idea and I thank you for doing that,” he said. “I want to congratulate you for worrying about children and literacy and using your special status in society to set a good example.”
In closing, he reiterated his congratulations and wished the team success.
“I wish you all the very best for the next season,” he said. “Should you win it, you can find me in Texas.”
After the speech, team president Paul Pierce presented the 43rd president with an autographed basketball and a personalized Celtics jersey with No. 43.
“On behalf of the Celtics organization we’d like to thank you,” Pierce said.
Pierce also announced the Celtics’ donation of $100,000 to American Red Cross) on behalf of the families and victims of Hurricane Ike.
“We’d just like to say thank you and it’s truly an honor,” Pierce said.
Seaman Brian M. Brooks, a 29-year-old from North Carolina, said that while he had enjoyed being a member of the military color guard for the Celtics in the finals, he was truly honored to be at this event.
“This is probably the best thing I’ve ever done,” Brooks said.
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