前美国总统巴拉克·奥巴马周五在芝加哥的奥巴马总统中心惊喜造访了WNBA全明星队，与22名球员进行了互动交流 [1]。
奥巴马与印第安纳步行者队的凯特琳·克拉克、亚特兰大梦队的安琪儿·里斯等球员合影交谈，并在篮球场上与纽约自由队的琼奎尔·琼斯进行了防守互动 [1]。他对球员们表示："你们中有些人我是第一次见面，你们都是非凡的。这个游戏最近的发展方式和吸引人们关注你们卓越表现的方式令人欣喜。" [1]
这次活动标志着奥巴马总统中心自6月开放以来首次接待职业体育赛事 [1]。WNBA专员凯西·恩格尔伯特评价称："对我们30周年纪念而言，以奥巴马总统中心作为第一个在此使用场地的体育联盟是完美的。" [1]
奥巴马因与妻子米歇尔的30周年纪念活动而无法参加周六的全明星赛 [1]。他因保护阿基里斯腱而不再进行5对5比赛，但曾在场地上打过"马术"游戏 [1]。
Former President Barack Obama made an unexpected appearance at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago on Friday to visit with WNBA All-Stars during their practice session. [1] Obama spent time interacting with 22 all-star players, including Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark and Atlanta Dream's Angel Reese, taking photos and conversing with the athletes. [1] He also engaged in defensive play on the basketball court with New York Liberty's Jonquel Jones. [1]
The visit marked the first time a professional sports league has used the basketball facilities at the Presidential Center since it opened in June. [1] Speaking to the players, Obama said, "Some of you I'm meeting for the first time, and you're all extraordinary. The way this game has developed recently and the way it's captured people's attention around your excellence has been great to see." [1]
Obama was unable to attend Saturday's all-star game due to his 30th wedding anniversary celebration with his wife Michelle. [1] WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed the significance of the moment, stating, "It's perfect for our 30th anniversary to have the Obama Presidential Center be the first sports league to use the facility." [1]
The former president, who has stepped back from five-on-five competition to protect his Achilles tendon, has previously participated in recreational basketball on the court. [1]