Saints mark NFL title at White House

The Saints were welcomed by U.S. President Barack Obama who said the 31-17 NFL championship game win over the Indianapolis Colts helped buoy spirits in New Orleans and Louisiana, which are still trying to overcome the effects of Hurricane Katrina and the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Obama said: "Plenty of cities carry their sports teams through a tough season.
It's a rare thing when a sports team carries its city through tough times."

Saints owner Tom Benson, Coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees were in the team delegation on hand for the ceremony. They presented the president with a Saints jersey, No. 44.

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