The Washington Capitals’ Alexander Ovechkin is not only a newly-minted Ambassador for the 2014 Olympic hosts, but now The White House sees his value as a cultural bridge. President Obama, in a speech today at Moscow’s New Economic School graduation ceremony, reached out to young Russians with a little name-dropping:
These are contributions that are not contained by Russia’s borders, as vast as those borders are. Indeed, Russia’s heritage has touched every corner of the world, and speaks to the humanity that we share. That includes my own country, which has been blessed with Russian immigrants for decades; we’ve been enriched by Russian culture, and enhanced by Russian cooperation. And as a resident of Washington, D.C., I continue to benefit from the contributions of Russians — specifically, from Alexander Ovechkin. We’re very pleased to have him in Washington, D.C. (Applause.)
Perhaps President Obama’s shout-out indicates a visit to Ted Leonsis’ owner’s box this season? It would be a landmark moment for our burgeoning hockey town to have the President in attendence — navigating the extra Phone Booth security aside, the President’s in-person embrace of the Capitals would be an exciting night for fans and team alike.
5 Comments
I’m thrilled that Obama mentioned Ovy in his speech. He happened to get applause and laughter for it.
By the way, here is the video of the speech. Fast-forward to the 2:45 mark to hear President Obama’s remarks about Ovy The Great.
http://www.c-span.org/Watch/Media/2009/07/07/HP/A/20522/Pres+Obama+Speech+at+Moscows+New+Economic+School.aspx
That is awesome. Ovi will be the answer to saving the US/Russia relationship.
OVIE for President!
what a phoney
What a phoney
Post a Comment