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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release July 10, 1999

                        REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
                  TO THE AMERICAN WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAM
                  AND THE CHINESE WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAM
                 AFTER THE WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

                            The Locker Rooms
                             The Rose Bowl
                          Pasadena, California

THE PRESIDENT: (Speaking to the Chinese team.) I want to say to the whole team how much we admire your performance in the whole World Cup. You were magnificent today. And we were very honored to have you in our country. You will win many more games.

THE PRESIDENT: (Speaking to the American team.) Let me say one thing. First of all, I think everybody in the whole stadium was weeping with joy. It was the most exciting sports event I believe I've ever seen. (Applause.) We were so very proud of you.

I also want you to know, I just went into see the Chinese team. I told them what a magnificent game they played, how honored we were to have them in our country. And they could not have been more generous. They said how well you played and that you deserved to win. I mean, it was an amazing day.

We learned a lot today about soccer, about women athletes -- (applause) -- about courage and endurance, and about genuine sportsmanship. I cannot thank you enough for the gift that you have given to the United States, which is even bigger than this great trophy. (Applause.)

Wait, wait, wait. And you see I brought a lot of people here who are big fans of yours, but I'd like our host Governor, the Governor of California, to say -- (applause.)

GOVERNOR DAVIS: I just want to say two things. You made every American proud. You have the heart of a lion, and you have so much grace and poise. We were almost in tears when that final goal was scored. You should be so proud of yourself. I know you'll go on to do wonderful things, but this is going to be one of the crowning achievements of your lives. And all America is celebrating with you. God bless every one of you. (Applause.)

END