Art of the Olympians opens in Fort Myers

A new, one-of-a-kind attraction opened in the Fort Myers River District on Jan. 29, and tourism leaders believe its international appeal holds the potential to bring worldwide attention to Lee County.

This powerful new attraction is the Art of the Olympians Al Oerter Center of Excellence, located in the former City Pier building overlooking the Caloosahatchee River. Its creation was spearheaded by the late four-time Olympic medalist Al Oerter, his family and other Olympians and Olympic enthusiasts.

Supported by more than $1 million in grants, the majority of which came from tourist tax dollars, this exciting new addition to Lee County’s profile is oozing with celebrity appeal.

Art of the Olympians Center of Excellence home in Fort Myers	Cutting the ribbon at the opening from left are: Olympians Cameron Myler (U.S.A. - luge); Bob Beamon (U.S.A. - long jump); and Roald Bradstock (U.K. - javelin)
From left, Lee County Board of County Commissioners Chair and Lee County Tourist Development Chair Tammy Hall with Mr. and Mrs. Bob Beamon	Cathy Oerter welcomes the crowd to her late husband Al Oerter's (U.S.A. - discus) dream - Art of the Olympians

The museum, which is designed to celebrate excellence and a passion for both art and sports, features artistic works by 35 worldwide Olympic medalists such as U.S. gold medal figure skater Peggy Fleming, who also is hosting a one-hour documentary about the project.

Other Olympians such as Roald Bradstock of the United Kingdom, who the BBC has called the “Olympic Picasso,” and John-Blaise Evequoz, a fencing champion who also is well known for his artistic talents in his native Switzerland, have contributed to the collection. Like Fleming, Evequoz is helping to promote the attraction. He recently accompanied the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) team at ITB, the world’s largest travel trade show in Berlin to promote the new gallery and Lee County. Additional artists include Liston Bochette, decathlon and bobsled, Puerto Rico and Bob Beamon, 23-year record holder, long jump, U.S.A.

The VCB also has launched public relations and marketing efforts with news releases and posts on Facebook and Twitter, and the team currently is working to promote distribution of the Fleming-hosted documentary, which explores Al Oerter’s inspirational philosophy that ignited the project. The documentary is expected to premiere locally in the near future.

In all, the Art of the Olympians collection includes works by 35 Olympians from 11 different countries. The 10,000-square-foot center also hosts special events, traveling collections, educational programs for children and adults and more. Significantly, the landmark building is only the fourth location in the United States to be granted the rights to use the U.S.A. Olympic name and rings onsite.

Admission to Art of the Olympians is free for children and $2 for adults. For more information, including hours of operation, call 239-332-5055 or visit http://www.artoftheolympians.com.

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