New Orleans Saints welcomed to White House by President Obama
New Orleans Saints, Super Bowl champions, have lifted up "the hopes and the dreams of a shattered city,' said the president.
New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton (l.) applauds as quarterback Drew Brees holds up the Vince Lombardi trophy after winning the NFL's Super Bowl XLIV football game against the Indianapolis Colts in February. The New Orleans Saints have lifted up "the hopes and the dreams of a shattered city,' said the president on Monday.
Scott Audette/Reuters
WASHINGTON
The New Orleans Saints have come marching in to the White House.
President Barack Obama welcomed the Super Bowl champions on Monday in an East Room ceremony where he congratulated the players, owner and coaches. He said the team lifted up "the hopes and the dreams of a shattered city" in the wake of the ravages of Hurricane Katrina.
The Saints electrified their city and fans by beating the Indianapolis Colts, 31-17, in February.
Obama acknowledged being a Chicago Bears fan but said New Orleans has a unique relationship with its football team after the Saints' Super Bowl win.
Obama also talked about the latest disaster to hit the Gulf, the BP oil spill. He expressed optimism that the battle to stop the flowing of the oil is just about over.
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