|
The faces of pride, the spirit of courage and the power of respect have been captured in a 12-year documentary of inspirational Special Olympics athletes. I am Proud: The Athletes of Special Olympics, a tribute to the movement's 1 million athletes worldwide, is a collection of more than 100 photographs taken by world-renowned photographer Richard Corman.
This limited edition, 11- x 14-inch book published by Barnes & Noble, features compelling black-and-white photographs depicting the energy and excitement of men and women, boys and girls as they display their skills and celebrate their gifts as Special Olympics athletes. The publication of I am Proud coincides with the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games, to be held in Dublin, Ireland, from 21-29 June.
More than just photographs, I am Proud unites Corman's powerful images with inspirational messages from international leaders – including Secretary General of the United Nations Kofi Annan, football legend Pelé, poet laureate Maya Angelou, Pope John Paul II, actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Special Olympics athletes – as an affirmation of the impact Special Olympics has on the lives of not only its athletes, but the global community.
According to Timothy Shriver, President and CEO of Special Olympics, the eyes of the world have been blurred when looking at people with mental retardation. "This book is a lens of a different focus — one that captures something more than mere physical presence," said Shriver. "With lyrical charm and arresting emotion, it reveals the core of individuals: their spirit, their courage, their humanity, their love."
A long-time Special Olympics supporter, Richard Corman has traveled the globe capturing the spirit of Special Olympics athletes. For more than a decade, he has donated his services to Special Olympics, with his works gracing the pages of many Special Olympics publications.
"Special Olympics athletes have an overwhelming decency, honesty and strength that just radiates," said Corman. "These [photographs] are simple and pure ... they portray the athletes' greatness."
A jack-of-all-trades photographer, Corman's keen lens has photographed people as diverse as Muhammad Ali, Jack Nicholson and Nelson Mandela. Whether shooting portrait or action shots, celebrities or athletes, Corman's indelible gift has captured stark images that cut to the depth of the human spirit.
|
