Team Seven - White House Reception

You are here: Home

News / Results

White House Reception

PDF

| Print |

E-mail

San Jose, California
July 24, 2008

Hello Everyone,

Last Monday, I was honored to be invited to the White House along with 21 other Olympic and Paralympics Athletes who live on the East Coast of the USA. The occasion was a Rose Garden Celebration, followed by a formal dinner with The President and Mrs. Bush. I went into the day not knowing what to expect, and as I am writing this days later I still am jittery about the incredible experience. At the last minute I was told I could bring a guest. I am thankful I was able to bring my biggest fan and supporter, my Mom, to share the once in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. I only wish my team mates Sally and Carrie and my other fans – my Dad and the rest of the family – could have joined us.

With the President

We were up early on Monday to arrive at the White House for security checks and to rehearse for the Rose Garden Celebration. After a quick run through of the niceties of how to walk on and off stage, we had some free time and were able to visit the main floor of the White House. We toured the well-known Diplomatic Room and the China Room, and we interacted with many of the servicemen and women from the Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force and Navy who work at the White House. They were all very knowledgeable and helped us understand the importance of each room.

Sarah Merganthaler and me with Marine staff

The Rose Garden Celebration was our first meeting with the President. He gave a great speech in which talked about what it takes to be a champion and he emphasized the importance of character and responsibility. He also discussed the two roles athletes have - not only are they competitors, but they are ambassadors of the United States and represent our nation's cherished values.

"As ambassadors of liberty, you will represent America's love for freedom and our regard for human rights and human dignity," the President said. "In Beijing, you'll also represent our nation's character. As ambassadors of goodwill, you will be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. And by showing respect for your competitors, you will demonstrate America's respect for the world."

I thought the best part of the speech is when turned to the athletes and said, "I am fired up to go." The crowd burst out in laughter and the athletes became very excited. At the end of the speech the President came up to the athletes and we all had the opportunity to shake hands with him.

Rose Garden group

After the speech, the athletes and guests were mingling outside in the Rose Garden when we were unexpectedly invited to the Oval Office to spend more time with the President. I was shocked at the invitation and didn't hesitate to leave my Mom outside in the 90+ degree heat. The President created a casual atmosphere in the Oval Office and I was impressed with his candor and laid-back personality. It was very easy to have a conversation with him and I felt at ease speaking and joking with the most powerful man in the world.

In the Oval Office, the President addressed the group of athletes on why he feels so strongly about attending the Opening Ceremonies. He told us that although there are many controversial political issues surrounding the Olympics, it is his job to deal with them in the appropriate context. He told us not let politics get in the way of competing and having a great time in China. After his remarks, each athlete then had the opportunity to have his/her picture taken in Oval Office with the President.

With Mom before dinner

After that, we the afternoon off and were scheduled to be back on the buses at 6:00 pm in our formal dinner attire. Dinner at the White House is like attending a wedding. We had cocktails and appetizers and mingled in the Blue and Red Rooms and then were able to have another picture taken in the Green Room with President Bush and the First Lady.

After a welcoming speech by the President, dinner was served in the East Room. We were fortunate to meet and interact with so many interesting people. At dinner, Randall Stephenson, Chairman, CEO and President of AT&T, sat on my right hand while to my left was Bob Rollo, former Vice Chairman of the U.S. Olympic Committee's Nominating and Governance Committee. Sarah Mergenthaler, the women’s 470 crew who also attended the event, was seated between the President’s younger brother and the US Ambassador to China. The menu included pea soup with duck pastrami and cheese puffs, crispy black sea bass, butter beans, salad and a chocolate tart for dessert named the "Olympic Torch".

Formal place setting and menu

After a delicious meal with great conversation, we then went outside to the Rose Garden. The weather was perfect for an outdoor concert. The bluegrass band Seldom Scene played 4-5 songs and was about to pack up when the President stood up and easily persuaded them to continue playing, it was a great ending to a fabulous day.

Bluegrass band Seldom Scene

I am very lucky to have received this invitation to take part in such an amazing and memorable day. There are many people who I would to thank who have worked hard to make this happen. I would like to thank US Sailing, the US Olympic Committee, the staff at the White House, The President and Mrs. Bush for the invitation, and my teammates and my supporters for making this experience possible.

To see the speech the President gave in the Rose Garden, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/07/20080721.html# and click on video. To see the speech the President gave at the dinner, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/07/20080721-9.html and click on video.

I’m sending this from San Jose, California, where the US Team will participate in Team Processing as well as a send off party hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club! More soon from Qingdao

Debbie Capozzi

for Team Seven Sailing -
- Sally Barkow, Debbie Capozzi, Carrie Howe