Obama honors college athletes at White House
By Associated Press
Mar 10, 2014 4:54 PM CDT
President Barack Obama, center, speaks to members of 2012-2013 NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s championship teams from several sports on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, March 10, 2014. Members of Indiana University men’s soccer team are seated in the back row on the left....   (Associated Press)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is honoring college athletes from across the country in a White House ceremony.

Obama is applauding students who won NCAA Division I championships in several sports. He says college sports are about more than winning. He says it's about learning to be in the spotlight, overcoming obstacles and giving back to your community.

Among the sports represented are lacrosse, soccer, tennis, golf and water polo. Princeton University won championships in both fencing and field hockey. Obama says those sports may not be on television as frequently as basketball or football, but that the athletes are just as remarkable.

He's praising championship women's teams for paving the way for his own daughters and other young women.

Obama hosted the students on the South Lawn of the White House.

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