President Joe Biden welcomes the Seattle Storm to the White House to celebrate their 2020 WNBA title. (1:47).
On Monday, President Joe Biden received the Seattle Storm to his White House. He praised them for being "forces for change"
Biden paid tribute to the team that won the WNBA title last year while remaining in Florida's bubble, closing a season that was played during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"And what makes this group remarkable is that they don't win just games. Before accepting his No. 46 jersey, Biden stated that they "change lives". 46 jersey from Storm. "Encouraging people get vaccinated to beat this pandemic. Standing up for voting rights and racial justice by speaking out. Supporting mentorship and education programs for young people. Protecting trans youth from violence and discrimination is a priority. This is what winners do: They shine light on others, lift them up, and they are a force for good.
Since the 2016 visit of Barack Obama to the White House by the Cleveland Cavaliers, no NBA or WNBA team has visited the White House. In 2016, the Minnesota Lynx was the last WNBA team to visit the White House. Donald Trump did not invite the Lynx to the White House in 2017.
Storm point guard Sue Bird, who is Storm's star point guard, stated in 2018 that Trump would not be allowed to visit the White House.
Bird, who was previously with the UConn Huskies, Storm and Bird to the White House, stated Monday that it felt "good to be back at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave."
Bird stated, "As women who are involved in women's sport, it feels great to be back at this place and celebrated this way."
Biden also felicitated Bird for being part of the Team USA team that won gold at Rio. Jewell Loyd and Breanna Stewart, teammates, also won gold in Tokyo.
Biden made a short speech in which he called for equal pay for men and women in America.
Biden stated that the nation must support women's sport, not only during the Olympics, but throughout the year. To help women's sport grow, there should be more sponsorships and programming. These women are incredible athletes. They are among the top in the world. They are our heroes. We show respect by being there for them.
