Bowling Green State University Athletics
Van De Walle Goes To Washington D. C.
October 18, 2004 | Volleyball
Oct. 18, 2004
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - Bowling Green State University head volleyball coach Denise Van De Walle and the USA Sitting Paralympic Volleyball team will be visiting the Whitehouse this afternoon to celebrate their bronze medal. Selected Olympians and all Paralympic members will be in attendance.
Around 10:00 a.m. the Olympic Committee will meet on the south portico of the White House, where President Bush will become an honorary member of the Olympic Team, with Mrs. Bush being named an honorary member of the Paralympic team.
Van De Walle and Team USA captured the bronze medal back on September 27 with a four game victory over Slovenia (25-20, 10-25, 25-18, 25-20) on the final day of competition at the 2004 Paralympic Games.
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Van De Walle Reactions
"It was an honor and a great privilege to be in Washington, D.C. with the Olympic and Paralympic athletes. I had a wonderful time going through the White House seeing and feeling the tradition and history. There was so much excitement when President Bush and the First Lady came out on the South Lawn to speak. It was another great thrill for all of us. Their gracious and genuine demeanor was appreciated by all of us."
"Another awesome sight was when his helicopter landed on the South Lawn just 50 feet away from us to pick him up for his next trip. The cheers and whistles were loud and boisterous. I took some great pictures of the whole event. Today capped off the Paralympic Games, which was one of the best experiences of my life."
