Celebrating Women's Professional Soccer Champs at the White House

President Barack Obama welcomes the Women's Professional Soccer champions Sky Blue FC in the East Room of the White House, July 1, 2010. The President honored their winning of the inaugural Women's Professional Soccer championship. July 1, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Today, the President welcomed the first-ever champions of the Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) league to the White House. The WPS completed its inaugural season in August 2009 as Sky Blue FC of New Jersey/New York became the very first team to win the championship title. The team was joined in the East Wing of the White House by friends, family, and a group of high-spirited girls in uniform from local soccer leagues.

The President spoke of his amazement and appreciation for the team's genuine talent and commitment to athletics. He was especially grateful for their dedication to the First Lady's "Let's Move!" campaign with the launch of their "Get Active!" program that engages children to get active through soccer. The WPS recently announced their plans to sponsor 3-on-3 soccer tournaments and help kids learn about the importance of living healthy lives. The President commended the players for serving our country as "outstanding role models" for children, especially young girls, by leading them to reach for their goals and inspiring them to believe in themselves. He said to the team:

"Together, you've changed the way our young women look at themselves -- and expanded the realm of what they believe is possible. For that, we owe you our gratitude."

Check out the video of the President speaking to Sky Blue FC.

Jenny Kaplan is Deputy Director of the White House Council on Women and Girls