PHOTO | AFP US President Barack Obama receive a jersey from Ray Allen of
the Miami Heat during an event honouring the 2013 NBA Champions, the
Miami Heat, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC on
January 14, 2014.
AFP
WASHINGTON
President
Barack Obama welcomed the NBA champion Miami Heat back to the White
House on Tuesday, congratulating them on winning their second title in
as many years.
LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh
and their teammates attended the ceremony in the White House's East
Room, where Obama - an avid recreational basketball player - hailed
their efforts.
"I want to congratulate coach (Erik)
Spoelstra for the outstanding work that he does; legendary team
president Pat Riley for his outstanding leadership; and all the coaches
and players, members of the staff and crew to make a championship
season," Obama said.
"This group has won twice now, but it's gone to the finals three times.
"And
sometimes it feels like they're still fighting for a little respect. I
can relate to that," the president said, earning a few laughs.
Miami won their second straight NBA title last year to go with a championship in 2006.
DESERVED PRAISE
Obama said the charitable work the players do year round deserved praise as well.
"So
bottom line is: outstanding athletes, outstanding organization,
outstanding team but also outstanding members of their community," Obama
said.
Before their White House visit, the players
spent time with wounded American service members recovering at a nearby
military hospital.
The Heat beat the San Antonio Spurs in a championship series that went the full seven games.
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