Washington, DC — In this week’s address, President Obama celebrated the beginning of the Summer Olympics by wishing Team USA the best of luck as they compete on the world stage. The President said Team USA reminds the world why America always sets the example as a nation of immigrants that finds strength by embracing our diversity and finding unity in our national pride.
KEY POINTS
- Every four years, our nation’s attention turns to a competition that’s as heated as it is historic
- Sometimes we’re let down, but more often we’re lifted up
- This month, Rio is hosting the first-ever Games held in South America – and we’re ready to root on Team USA
- Team USA reminds the world why America always sets the gold standard: We’re a nation of immigrants that finds strength in our diversity and unity in our national pride
- Our athletes hail from 46 states, D.C., and the Virgin Islands
- Our team boasts the most women who have ever competed for any nation at any Olympic Games
- It’s about the character it takes to train your heart out, even when no one’s watching
- Just hard work, focus, and a dream. That’s the Olympic spirit – and it’s the American spirit, too
- That idea – that you can succeed no matter where you’re from – is especially true this year
- We’ll cheer on athletes on the first-ever Olympic Refugee Team: Ten competitors from the Congo, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Syria who personify endurance
- Thank you for showing the world the best of America