Bush Gives U.S. Athletes A Rousing Sendoff

The Associated Press Published: July 22, 2008 WASHINGTON - President Bush gave U.S. Olympians a rousing White House send-off to next month's games in Beijing, urging them Monday to "compete swifter, higher and stronger" but also be mindful they will be "ambassadors of liberty" to the people of China and elsewhere. Bush is attending the opening ceremonies and the first few days of the Aug. 8-24 games. Standing in the Rose Garden with about two dozen athletes who will compete in the Beijing Olympics and the corresponding Paralympics there in September, Bush said he is "fired up" to watch some of the competition. "I can't wait to salute our athletes, and I can't wait to share in the joy of your triumphs," he said. Human rights groups had urged Bush to boycott the opening ceremonies to oppose China's crackdown on protesters in... [read full story]