Documentary on Art of the Olympians to air on WGCU-TV with host Peggy Fleming

March 24, 2011 - PRLog -- “Art of the Olympians,” an organization made up of Olympians artists, began as a dream of four-time Olympic gold medalist, and Fort Myers Beach resident,  Al Oerter. He spent the last two years of his life organizing “Art of the Olympians” by collecting artwork in various mediums created by Olympic athletes from around the globe, hoping the collection would someday have a permanent home.  His untimely death in 2007 would mean that Oerter would not see his dream come true … but it did.

           On Thursday, March 31 at 8:30 p.m., WGCU-TV, Channel 40 or 440 in Hi Definition in Southwest Florida will air  the documentary, “Art of the Olympians.” The 30-minute documentary, by Emmy Award-winning Photographer/Director Ilene Safron, documents the dreams of Oerter and his goal of uniting the sports and art world to uphold the virtues of excellence above winning.  The documentary will also run on Wednesday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Thursday, April 21st at 1:30 a.m. on the Encore Channel – WGCU’s Standard Definition Arts Channel. The documentary made its television premiere on New York’s W-NET Channel Thirteen on February 24.

           “The Olympic champions portrayed in the film represent the best of the best that had the choice of living an honorable life or giving into the temptations offered to them,” says Safron. “It’s imperative that we share this story to recognize sports legends our kids can look up to.” The show is hosted by Olympic Gold Medal Figure Skater/Olympian Artist, Peggy Fleming. Other well-known Olympians from the United States, Australia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Italy give their insight about the relationship between being successful in sports and the arts.

       The program discusses the Olympic Games, from their inception, which have been a celebration of human capability. A further historic perspective is given by former Olympian and member of the International Olympic Committee, Prince Albert II of Monaco.

           Art of the Olympians Center for Excellence in Fort Myers, FL is home to a permanent exhibit of Olympic sports and art. For more information, access www.ArtoftheOlympians.org .

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Art of the Olympians, a 501(c ) 3 non-profit organization, is dedicated to inspiring creativity & stimulating change through an international program of art, education and outreach initiatives.