Statement by President Bush

WASHINGTON, June 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Laura and I were saddened to
learn of the passing of Jim McKay. For a generation of Americans, Jim was more
than the much-honored host of Wide World of Sports and ABC's Olympic coverage.
He was a talented and eloquent newsman and storyteller whose special gift was
his ability to make the viewers at home genuinely care about more than just
who won or lost.
Jim was at his best during what had to be his most difficult assignment,
hosting with skill and sensitivity ABC's blanket coverage of the 1972 Munich
Olympics hostage crisis.
Off camera he was a compassionate and generous person and devoted family
man.
We are also grateful for Jim's service to his country as a Naval officer
aboard a minesweeper during World War II.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim's wife, Margaret, his children Sean
and Mary, and all of his family and friends.
SOURCE White House Press Office

White House Press Office, +1-202-456-2580