President Obama, in taped remarks, sends his warmest wishes to those celebrating the Lunar New Year, here in America and around the world:

President Obama, in taped remarks, sends his warmest wishes to those celebrating the Lunar New Year, here in America and around the world:



Michelle and I send our warmest wishes to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, the people of Asia, and all those around the world who are celebrating the Lunar New Year.
As people of all cultures and faiths welcome the Year of the Tiger, let us all give thanks for family, the wisdom of our ancestors, and the company of our friends and neighbors.
Here in the United States, the Lunar New Year will be marked by festivals in Houston and lion dances in Los Angeles; parades in Chicago and celebrations large and small in communities across our nation. Americans of Asian descent will continue the rich traditions of the past and begin new ones with their own families. Together, they serve as a reminder of the richness and diversity that make our country great.
So to all those celebrating the Lunar New Year, may you be blessed with peace, prosperity and good health – now and in the year ahead.

Posted by Kalpen Modi on February 12, 2010 at 06:34 PM EST  Kalpen Modi is an Associate Director for the Office of Public Engagement


President Obama’s Message to Team USA
Posted by Kori Schulman on February 12, 2010 at 07:39 PM EST

Today marks the beginning of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. President Obama taped a special video message to welcome and encourage the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams upon their arrival in Vancouver.



I want to congratulate all the athletes here today for making the 2010 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams – you are truly the best of the best. All of us are incredibly proud of everything you’ve accomplished to get here, and we can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish in Vancouver.

The Olympics represent one of the greatest traditions in sports – a place where legends are born and history is made. And over the next two and a half weeks, each of you will have the experience of a lifetime – the culmination of years of hard work and endless sacrifice; dogged perseverance and unyielding determination.

As Olympic and Paralympic athletes, you’ll be representing your coaches, family and friends who gave so much to help you get to where you are. You’ll be representing the hopes and dreams of millions of Americans watching at home and around the globe. And you’ll be serving as ambassadors for your country, both on and off the playing field – presenting the very best of America to the world.

So congratulations again on making the team, and best of luck in Vancouver. Michelle, Malia, Sasha, Bo and I can’t wait to follow your journeys from here in Washington. I know you’ll all make America enormously proud. Thank you.