It was a special occasion today at the White House. President Bush and his staff took time for a special presentation held on the South Lawn to honor the newly crowned NFL Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts and their president, Bill Polian. A pair of other champions were also invited for the event as well, Pop Warner champions. Members of the Marshall Heights Bison (DI Midget) and the White Oak Warriors (DI PeeWee) teams were also invited to to take part in the special occasion.
A jovial President Bush addressed the team and a small gathering of notable political figures and other guests from about 3:15 until about 3:35 p.m. Prior to the event, the Colts visited Walter Reed Army Hospital early Monday afternoon, then arrived at the White House around 2:30 p.m.
After the president was finished congratulating the champs,
Colts CEO Jim Irsay presented President Bush with a ceremonial Stetson cowboy hat with a blue, Colts horseshoe on the front, which was signed by Irsay, Dungy and Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, the Super Bowl XLI Most Valuable Player. Dungy then followed tradition by presenting to President Bush, the 43rd President, a blue Colts No. 43 jersey.
“Winning a Super Bowl a few months ago – I thought it was about as special as it could get, but I'm not sure it could actually beat what happened today," said Manning afterwards.
