Everyone is equal and everyone has opportunity!

When I watch the Special Olympics, I’m inspired by the athletes. I see their strength, determination, and courage and it reminds me that if we put our heart and soul into doing something, it can be done! I’m also inspired by artists. I’m amazed at those who can freehand a mural twenty feet in the air using the side of a building for a billboard. The precision and beauty of these pieces wow you. Having an uncle who had special needs was just one of the many reasons I joined Share The Journey campaign and why I wanted to share this info with you.

Since 1968, the Special Olympics has celebrated athletes of all kinds and strives to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people. The 2015 Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies kick off this Saturday, July 25 in Los Angeles! 7,000 athletes from over 177 countries will compete in this inspiring event.

In honor of this year’s Special Olympics World Games, a series of murals have been painted by artists as part of Toyota’s “Share the Journey” campaign. These beautiful murals feature Special Olympics athletes and celebrate their joy and courage. I promise you that you will love to watch and then share them.

About the Murals

Building on LA’s storied history of outdoor art, Toyota partnered with the Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles to produce three murals inspired by the spirit of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games. The murals have been completed in advance with the intent that they will remain in place as a cultural legacy commemorating the Games in the city of Los Angeles.

About “The Greatest” Mural

“The Greatest” features a large scale portrait of Muhammad Ali. Combining lettering and calligraphy from multiple cultural traditions, Cryptik showcases his signature style to create the mural background. At a distance, the calligraphy forms a glittering background to the overall image. Along the lower half of Muhammad Ali’s portrait, are a series of plaques featuring Special Olympics athletes. Each plaque includes an image as well as an inspirational quote from the athlete. Two additional plaques including inspirational quotes from Olympic gold medalist Apolo Ohno and former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

Link to video – bit.ly/1HMp6YC

About “World Stage Legacy” Mural

The World Stage Legacy mural was created by artist David Flores as a celebration of the history of the Coliseum, the spirit of the Special Olympics, and the city & state of Los Angeles, California. The theme of inclusiveness embraces the idea of diversity, and thus the individuals depicted in the mural personify this theme and symbolize key aspects of the Coliseum’s history: Sport (the Olympic Games and football), politics, entertainment, technology, and social progress.

Link to video: bit.ly/1Dzr5M3

 

Learn More How you can #ShareTheJourney with these amazing athletes!

Website: http://sharethejourney.toyota.com/

Tune in to ESPN coverage of the Special Olympics World Games from July 25 through August 2. You can also cheer on your hometown heros by clicking here and sharing on your social channels to support the Special Olympics World Games athletes.

 

What is your favorite event at the Special Olympics?

 

disclosure- This post was brought to you by Toyota but all opinions are my own. Join me and help celebrate these amazing athletes  by showing your support.