Kelly Kulick Invited To The White House

The last thing Kelly Kulick could have imagined as she rolled her way to victory in
the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tournament of Champions in
January was that her historic victory would lead to a visit to the White House.

And beyond simply acknowledging her as the first woman to win a Lumber 
Liquidators PBA Tour title, Kulick found herself being honored as an American
pioneer who had carved out a unique place in the nation’s history as the first
woman to win a major championship in a male-dominated professional sport.

Kulick was invited to attend the International Women’s Day reception held in the
East Room of the White House on Monday in celebration of Women’s History 
Month. Hosted by President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, approximately
250 women attended the event which honored contributions of women in history
and contemporary society.

The event began approximately 5 p.m. Eastern with a speech by Mrs. Obama who
recognized all those in attendance.

“Today all of you are joining the long list of incredible women who have graced
these halls both as visitors and as residents, from admirals and actresses to
civil rights pioneers,” Mrs. Obama told the group. “We’re here today not just to
pay tribute to leaders and icons and household names. During Women’s History 
Month, we’re also here to honor the quiet heroes who’ve shaped this country…We
honor the women who traveled those lonely roads to be the first in those
courtrooms, to be the first ones in those boardrooms, to be the first ones on
those playing fields… We honor women who refused to listen to those who would
say that you couldn’t or shouldn’t pursue your dreams.”

President Obama then spoke of the roles of women in building America, the
women he has appointed to positions of influence within his administration, and
his hopes for gender equality in the future.

Kulick said there was no formal receiving line or photo opportunities, but after
the speeches by President and Mrs. Obama, there was a short reception where
she did get to meet very briefly with President Obama.

“I was really just taking it all in and I was looking to see who I might
recognize,” Kulick said. “They might have been there, but I didn’t notice any
other sports figures.

“I didn’t have a chance to speak at length with the president or first lady, but
I did get to meet the president and shake his hand, which was certainly a great
honor.

Kulick said it was a simple and moving ceremony.

“The president’s speech was very moving and paid tribute to the accomplishments
of women who have been pioneers in all walks of life and as role models we are
setting the example for the generations that will follow us,” Kulick added.