Trailblazers of the Year winner , Bob Beamon speaks at the News-Press Media Group's People of the Year Awards ceremony, Thursday at the Sidney and Berne Davis Arts Center in Fort Myers. / News-press.com file photo
The Art of the Olympians dream has turned into reality.
It was the late four-time gold medal winning athlete Al Oerter’s vision for a cultural and education center focused on the artwork of other Olympians like him, gifted with artistic ability.
In 2011, the Art of the Olympians Museum and Gallery opened at the city pier along the Caloosahatchee River in downtown Fort Myers to great fanfare. In addition, this year, the museum — which has the right and honor to display the Olympic rings — received a visit from Prince Albert of Monaco, also an Olympian and friend of AOTO board member Liston Bochette. The prince’s visit was marked by visits to students, live artwork and a truly regal gala at the Harborside Event Center, with dancers, musicians and local talent sharing their literary and artistic gifts.
In August, Olympian, author and philanthropist Bob Beamon was named CEO of the cultural organization. Beamon became known when he set a world record in the long jump — 29 feet 2.5 inches — at the Mexico City Olympics in 1968 — a feat unchallenged for 23 years.
In addition, in February the documentary “Art of the Olympians” premiered in New York. Produced by Southwest Floridian Ilene Safron of Main Sail Video Productions, the company accepted the International Sport Movies & TV Award at the 29th International FICTS Festival in Milan in November.
The Art of the Olympians is enhancing the Fort Myers River District’s celebration of the arts and has helped put the downtown area on the map for visitors around the world.
