2018 Special Olympics USA Games Announces Artistic Collaborations and Performers for Opening Ceremony at Husky Stadium
SEATTLE – March 27, 2018 – The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games announced today the artistic elements for the USA Games including collaborations with artists Miguel Edwards, Catherine Mayer and Chihuly Studio. The 2018 USA Games also unveiled the first in a series of announcements regarding performances and entertainment at the Opening Ceremony on Sunday, July 1 at Husky Stadium.
Performers for Opening Ceremony
The first set of entertainers confirmed to perform at the Opening Ceremony are:
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Ann Wilson of Heart.
- National recording artist Allen Stone. A native of Chewelah, Washington, Stone’s set will include a performance with the USA Games’ 2,018-person choir.
- Seattle-based hip-hop crew Massive Monkees.
The Opening Ceremony celebrates the official start of six days of competition and events across Puget Sound. The event will feature ceremonial elements such as the Parade of Athletes and the lighting of the Special Olympics Flame of Hope.
Additional performers for the Opening Ceremony will be announced over the next few weeks.
Artistic Elements of the 2018 USA Games
Finding inspiration from the rich arts community and traditions of the Pacific Northwest, local artists will play an integral role in the 2018 USA Games:
- Dale Chihuly and Chihuly Studio will support the 2018 USA Games through his artwork, Rotolo 90. The artwork was blown in 2017, is composed of three ruby-red coils set upon a clear core vessel, and weighs 90 pounds (the weight of each Rotolo is noted in its name). Chihuly selected the fiery-red Rotolo 90 to represent the strength, power and determination of the athletes competing in the 2018 USA Games. Rotolo 90 is on loan to Chihuly Garden and Glass through July 31, 2018. If Rotolo 90 is acquired while on display, Chihuly Studio will donate a portion of the proceeds to the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games.
- Sculptor, photographer and installation artist Miguel Edwards, will design and create the cauldron for the 2018 USA Games Opening Ceremony. Measuring approximately six feet by 12 feet, the cauldron will be made of mild steel. Its design is inspired by the 2018 USA Games logo.
- Under the guidance of Seattle-based artist Catherine Mayer, Special Olympics athletes will create six, athlete-designed murals. Each 26-foot-long mural will feature individual works of art created by the athletes that Mayer will collage into large-scale art pieces. The murals will be displayed across Seattle throughout the month of June before they are displayed at the USA Games.
About the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games
The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games will be held in Seattle, Washington July 1-6, 2018. More than 4,000 participants representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia, along with the support of tens of thousands of volunteers and spectators, will compete in 14 Olympic-type team and individual sports. The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games will celebrate the Special Olympics movement and its 50th anniversary; promote the ideals of acceptance and inclusion through sport; and showcase athletes from throughout the U.S. and the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities. The 2018 USA Games will also highlight Special Olympics’ work in sport, education, health and community-building.
For more information on the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games, please visit www.SpecialOlympicsUSAGames.org and follow on Facebook (@SpecialOlympicsUSAGames), Twitter (@2018USAGames) and Instagram (@SpecialOlympicsUSAGames).
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Media Contact
Jaymelina Esmele, 2018 Special Olympics USA Games
(206) 900-9490, x115