FIBA – Baumann, Elphinston and Ackerman welcome US President Bush to Wukesong Arena

BEIJING (Olympics) – Basketball took center stage on the opening day of the Olympics with United States President George Bush among the dignitaries who showed up at the Wukesong Arena to take in the action.

President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush were welcomed to the arena by FIBA President Bob Elphinston, FIBA Secretary General Patrick Baumann and USA Basketball President Val Ackerman.

President Bush watched most of the USA women’s game against the Czech Republic.

“It was obviously an honor to have him come and his family come to support our women’s team,” Ackerman said.

“He was clearly a great lover of sports. We really talked about sports of all kind, but especially basketball.”

The US fell behind early but ended up winning 97-57.

Ackerman revealed President Bush already knew quite a bit about the three-time defending Olympic champions.

“He was very knowledgeable about the women’s team,” Ackerman said.

“I think he has met some of the players along the way because of White House visits so he was knowledgeable and had questions.

“He was rooting hard and when we got down early he was really pulling for the team to come back as they did. It was a good experience and very heartening to see him supporting us so fervently.”

President Bush is also expected to be in the crowd on Sunday night when the USA men take on hosts China.

FIBA