Bob Beamon jumps into new role at Art of the Olympians

Aug. 23, 2011 - PRLog -- Olympic gold medalist and record-breaking track and field star, Bob Beamon, has been named chief executive officer for Art of the Olympians Museum and Gallery at the Al Oerter Center for Excellence, home of Olympic sports and arts.

A 1968 Olympic gold medalist, businessman, philanthropist and author, Beamon is best known for his long-standing world record in the long jump at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico, which remained unchallenged for 23 years. He has since been elected into both the U.S.A. Track & Field and U.S. Olympic hall of fame.

“My late husband, Al, had known Bob since the early 60s,” said Cathy Oerter, AOTO board chair. “I know Bob will continue to cultivate Al’s passion for arts and sports to motivate and encourage others to achieve their best.”

Following his international track career, the iconic sports figure became involved in promoting youth athleticism with California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, the South Florida Inner-City Games and the Bob Beamon United Way Golf Classic. He previously served as director of athletic development at Florida Atlantic University and most recently was associate athletic director at Chicago State University. Beamon is an honorary member of the Orange Bowl Committee.

On Oct. 18, 1968, Beamon made Olympic history when he broke the world record for the long jump. He jumped 29 feet 2 1/2 inches, beating the previous record by nearly two feet and becoming the first man to jump more than 28 feet.

“It is a tremendous honor to carry on the legacy of the great Al Oerter, the legendary four-time Olympic gold medal discus thrower,” Beamon said. “I’m looking forward to working with the board, donors, volunteers and the community to maximize AOTO’s strengths while promoting the Olympic ideals and values.”

Beamon graduated from Adelphi University in 1972 with a degree in sociology. In 1999, he co-authored the book about his life, “The Man Who Could Fly.”

The nonprofit museum Art of the Olympians is dedicated to inspiring creativity and stimulating change through an international program of art, education and outreach initiatives. The organization’s mission is to inspire individuals to discover and explore the power of their creative potential through arts, sports and educational programs based on the Olympic values.

# # #

Art of the Olympians Museum and Gallery at the Al Oerter Center for Excellence, home of Olympic sports and arts, is located at 1300 Hendry St. on the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, Fla. Gallery hours are Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Gallery is closed on Sundays, Mondays and holidays. For more information, visit www.ArtoftheOlympians.org or call 239-332-5055.