Intro:

The San Francisco Giants returned to the White House for the third time in five years Thursday (4 June), this time to be honoured for their 2014 World Series victory.

Script:

President Obama takes the stage and SOUNDBITE (English): Barack Obama, US President

"Hello, everybody! Have a seat, have a seat. Welcome to the White House. For these folks I guess it's welcome back. This is the third time in the last five years - the World Champion, the San Francisco Giants!"

SOUNDBITE (English): Barack Obama

"So this is quite a crew that we've got up here. They have won three titles in five years - probably only matched soon by the Blackhawks, who are - but that's hockey so I'll ... This is the first National League team in almost 70 years to do that. They have not lost a playoff series since 2003. And they're doing it all at a time when we've got more playoff teams than ever, more parity than we've seen in a long time. I mean, even the Cubs have a shot this year. And I continue to hold out hope that the White Sox can turn it around. But all that parity seems to wipe away whenever the Giants make the playoffs. I mean, the truth is, it seems like if they get in, they'll probably win it. They've got that 'even year' magic. They've got that championship experience. I seem to be good luck for them, apparently."

SOUNDBITE (English): Barack Obama

"So it was another great season for the Giants. But what's best about this organisation is the example they set off the field. Their Junior Giants program works to get our young people active, teaches them skills like self-esteem and teamwork and leadership. They've given out nearly US$500,000 in scholarships to students. Today, I'm proud to announce that the Giants Community Fund is teaming up with San Francisco State University and Major League Baseball to build a multimillion-dollar Junior Giants Urban Youth Academy, complete with training facilities, classrooms, batting cages, two baseball fields."

SOUNDBITE (English): Barack Obama

"So it's a tremendous commitment from a tremendous team. Congratulations, everybody. Good luck this year. We're proud of you. Everybody give a big round of applause. The San Francisco Giants."