Former US President Barack Obama delivered an impassioned speech at USA Basketball’s 50th anniversary celebration on Tuesday night. Surrounded by the US men’s basketball team, Obama captivated the audience with his words on the significance of representing the United States.
Obama, an avid basketball enthusiast, began his address by pointing out his love for the game. He highlighted the importance of unity and demonstrating the best of what America has to offer on the global stage.
Obama further said that he had no doubt that the team would bring home the gold and represent the nation with pride, projecting his confidence in the team’s success.
Team USA began its five-game exhibition series in preparation for the Paris Olympics on Wednesday with a match against Canada, an event Obama attended.
The event was graced by numerous basketball legends, including Hall of Famers and Olympians such as Spencer Haywood, Cheryl Miller, Dawn Staley, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, Sheryl Swoopes, Patrick Ewing, Nancy Lieberman, and Steve Smith among others.
“I just want to come here to obviously help send off the soon-to-be gold-medal winners,” Obama said. Adding that he also wanted to thank all the legends who have represented USA Basketball and America for an astounding 50 years now.
Earlier that day, Vice President Kamala Harris made a brief visit to the US men’s team during their practice at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus, further highlighting the administration’s support.
Reflecting on the evening, Steph Curry remarked having president Obama speak was truly inspiring, and that his words were the perfect send-off for them as they embark on the journey, celebrating 50 years of USA Basketball and their goals for the summer saying “I got goosebumps while he was talking.”
Obama, an avid basketball enthusiast, began his address by pointing out his love for the game. He highlighted the importance of unity and demonstrating the best of what America has to offer on the global stage.
Obama further said that he had no doubt that the team would bring home the gold and represent the nation with pride, projecting his confidence in the team’s success.
Team USA began its five-game exhibition series in preparation for the Paris Olympics on Wednesday with a match against Canada, an event Obama attended.
The event was graced by numerous basketball legends, including Hall of Famers and Olympians such as Spencer Haywood, Cheryl Miller, Dawn Staley, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, Sheryl Swoopes, Patrick Ewing, Nancy Lieberman, and Steve Smith among others.
“I just want to come here to obviously help send off the soon-to-be gold-medal winners,” Obama said. Adding that he also wanted to thank all the legends who have represented USA Basketball and America for an astounding 50 years now.
Earlier that day, Vice President Kamala Harris made a brief visit to the US men’s team during their practice at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus, further highlighting the administration’s support.
Reflecting on the evening, Steph Curry remarked having president Obama speak was truly inspiring, and that his words were the perfect send-off for them as they embark on the journey, celebrating 50 years of USA Basketball and their goals for the summer saying “I got goosebumps while he was talking.”