Christy Wilson wins art poster contest

June 28, 2010

An award presentation to honour the winner of the 2010 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Organizing Committee art contest was held at Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School on Thursday, June 17.

Christy Wilson, a grade 10 Banting student accepted her prize in the school’s atrium surrounded by a group of fellow students and faculty members. Her winning submission—a portrait of a female gymnast performing a floor routine—earned top prize in the contest, which was open to all secondary students in the Thames Valley and London District Catholic School Boards.

“I found the picture online and I thought it represented Special Olympics because the girl looks so enthusiastic and hopeful and that is what Special Olympics is all about,” she said.

Alison Lang, a Special Olympics athlete ambassador, was on hand to celebrate Wilson’s victory and said she was impressed with the message of the drawing. “It is a great picture,” she said. “It shows achievement and reaching for your goals and dreams. It also shows that Special Olympics athletes are the same as other athletes.”

Lang joined Janet Brady, director of education for the Games Organizing Committee, in congratulating Wilson on her accomplishment and presented her with her newly framed and engraved drawing, a Games T-shirt, and invitations to a VIP reception and the opening ceremonies of the Games.

In addition, her drawing will be on display during the VIP reception prior to the opening ceremonies and will also be used in the souvenir book that will be given to all Games participants.

Although Wilson said she was shocked to find out she had won the contest, Brady explained that her drawing “captured all the elements” the panel of judges was looking to find.

“The poster contest is a great way to enhance awareness within the community and to teach participants that people with intellectual disabilities can and will succeed if given the opportunity,” said Brady. We hoped the theme of the Games, “Catch the Spirit,” would inspire students to design a poster that showcases their talent – and represents the Games, and we were truly impressed with the results.”