WWE Superstar and Global Ambassador Titus O’Neil joined U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor of Florida and the 2020 and 2021 Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning at the White House Monday.
“It is an incredible privilege and honor to join the Stanley Cup Champions Tampa Bay Lightning at the White House to represent Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay is home to sports teams that are not only champions in athletics, but collectively they have created a sports community that lifts up lives and lights up neighborhoods through incredibly generous support and giving. That’s what winning is all about,” said O’Neil.
“What’s better than celebrating the Lightning’s Stanley Cup victory at the White House? Celebrating back-to-back Stanley Cup wins at the White House! The Bolts have unified our community throughout the pandemic, and we can all be proud of their grit, determination and commitment to serving the Tampa Bay area. They have had a truly electric run over the past few seasons, and we are all rooting them on as we head into the 2022 playoffs in the coming weeks. It’s only fitting that they are honored at the White House today, and it’s fantastic to be joined by my friend and Tampa hero Titus O’Neil at this celebration of Tampa excellence,” said Rep. Castor.
As a WWE Global Ambassador, O’Neil is positive representative of the Tampa, Fla., community and is a philanthropist, a champion of good and a proud father. O'Neil is a Warrior Award recipient in the WWE Hall of Fame, was named a finalist for ESPN's 2021 Sports Humanitarian Awards and also had his namesake, the Thaddeus M. Bullard Academy, added to Sligh Middle Magnet School in Tampa. He is also the founder of the Tampa-area Bullard Family Foundation, whose mission is to "Provide families and children everywhere with moments, programs and resources to help build character and improve outcomes in our community."
“Titus is a true champion inside the ring and out, so I knew he had to represent hometown Tampa when the Bolts are feted at the White House with President Biden and Vice President Harris,” Castor continued. “Tampa is the City of Champions and Titus embodies that spirit through lifting up students and families in need. Through Titus’ leadership at the Bullard Family Foundation and the work of the Lightning Foundation, families and students across the Tampa Bay area receive direct and crucial assistance every day, including at every Lightning game. He is truly a community champion.”