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Art of the Olympians hosts International Children’s Art Exhibit

Art of the Olympians (AOTO) invites the community to approach life with a new perspective in the New Year – Through the Eyes of a Child. In partnership with The Foundation for Global Sports Development and Olympic Federations throughout the world, the International Children’s art exhibit brings a creative and fascinating expression of children’s work and a friendly reminder of how children view day to day life.

When the sport and art worlds unite it encourage imagination, team-work, fair play and self-discovery which will elevate the virtues of excellence above winning. Children from around the world have been inspired to share their experiences and interpretations of culture, education and drug-free sport through an artistic medium.

Families, friends and community members are invited to attend a special reception, on Friday, January 7 from 5-8 p.m. to celebrate the opening of Through the Eyes of a Child in the Sports Gallery at the Art of the Olympians Al Oerter Center for Excellence at 1300 Hendry St. Admission to the reception is free of charge.

US Olympic Diver, Patricia “Pat” McCorrmick will join AOTO in welcoming The Foundation for Global Sports Development program to Southwest Florida. McCormick, a four-time Gold Medalist, won both diving events in two consecutive Olympic Games (1952 and 1956). She is a strong supporter of youth development in both the art and sport arena. Guests at the exhibit’s opening reception will have an opportunity to hear Olympic stories from McCormick and learn of her efforts to connect children to sport and art.

The Foundation for Global Sports Development’s International Children’s Art Program features online curriculum where teachers, mentors and students engage in discussions about the culture of sport, peer relationships, ethics and healthy choices. After the dialogue, students ages 5-18 are encouraged to write an essay, poem, or create an art piece that expresses their feelings about their perception of healthy sport.

With 70 countries participating and several thousand submissions of art, essays and poetry the exhibit has a global impact. Richard W. Pound, QC of the International Olympic Committee said, “By targeting this generation, you will have a unique possibility of shifting the future paradigm of how kids play the game – thus ensuring better life-outcomes for all of us.

Through the Eyes of a Child, the Global Sports Development’s International Children’s initiative will be on display until Feb. 26, 2011.

Gallery hours are Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Gallery is closed to on Sundays, Mondays and holidays. For general Museum information, visit our web site at www.artoftheolympians.com. follow us on Twitter, fan us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/artoftheolympians or call 332-5055.