Bush gives Olympians a Rose Garden send-off

July 21, 2008 | 10:14 am

President Bush is presented with a jersey by softball player Jennie Finch during a ceremony today in the Rose Garden of the White House. During a Rose Garden ceremony at the White House earlier today, President Bush urged U.S. Olympians to "compete swifter, higher and stronger" and also serve as "ambassadors of liberty" to the people of China during the Beijing Games, which begin Aug. 8.

Bush, who will attend the Opening Ceremony and watch some of the early competitions, told about a dozen Olympians and Paralympians that he is "fired up" to catch them in action next month.
"I can't wait to salute our athletes, and I can't wait to share in the joy of your triumphs," Bush said.

Though human-rights groups had urged Bush and other world leaders to boycott the opening day ceremonies, the Bush administration countered that the Olympics shouldn't be politicized.

"You will convey our nation's most cherished values," the president said. "As ambassadors of liberty, you will represent America's love for freedom and our regard for human rights and human dignity ... to other athletes and to the people of China."

Bush and his wife, Laura, will hold a White House dinner tonight to honor current and previous U.S. Olympians.

Such Olympians as track and field gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee and gymnastics gold medalist Shannon Miller will enjoy what AP described as "not a low-cal affair, with pea soup with duck pastrami, cheese puffs, crispy black sea bass, butter beans, salad and a dessert called the 'Olympic Torch,' a dark chocolate tart with raspberries and a blown-sugar Olympic flame."

The bluegrass band Seldom Scene was the chosen entertainment.

Photo: President Bush is presented with a jersey by softball player Jennie Finch during a ceremony today in the Rose Garden of the White House. Credit: Alex Wong / Getty Images