Special Olympics Athletes Model Webshop Merchandise
Back row (left to right): Tim Gowen, Annu Singleton, and Perez Plater. Front row (left to right): Alexea Wentz, Marti Clark and Michelle Andrade.
Michelle Andrade and Marti Clark were friends before participating in the photoshoot.
On October 27 2022, six athletes gathered at Special Olympics headquarters ready to strike a pose on behalf of the Special Olympics Webshop! During the photoshoot, the athletes modeled selected merchandise that is now available through the online store. The aim was to bring an authentic look and feel to the webshop by adding pictures of actual athletes to the product line-up.
Some of the athletes had previous modeling experience but most didn’t. However, a good time was had by all. Special Olympics Washington, DC athlete Marti Clark said, “It was fun and I feel like a model! I love all the hoodies!”
Special Olympics DC athlete Annu Singleton gave the thumbs up to the clothing and the experience. “I have two words about the photoshoot—“amazing” and “phenomenal!” I got the chance to be in something different and have the opportunity to show everyone that we (athletes) can do anything when we put our minds to it. Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do this or you can’t do that!”
The online store offers Special Olympics-branded items such as jewelry, drinkware, sports equipment, and clothing. Special collections, such as a collaboration with WWE and Special Olympics for the jointly branded School of Strength product line. The Special Olympics marquee Spread the Word: Inclusion campaign items are also available as well as Inclusion Revolution Radio merchandise. Proceeds from all sales directly benefit the movement.
Learn more about the athlete models and see behind-the-scene-photos below.
Michelle Andrade, Special Olympics Maryland, participates in bocce, kayaking, basketball, bowling, snowshoeing, cheerleading, and dance though her favorite sport is cheerleading. She loves competing at the local and state levels.
Marti Clark, Special Olympics DC, participates in basketball, tennis and cheerleading. Her favorite sport is cheerleading and her favorite Special Olympics moment was competing at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, CA.
Tim Gowen, Special Olympics Maryland, participates in bowling, bocce, and the Torch Run. His favorite sport is bowling and his favorite Special Olympics moment was winning a gold medal in bowling at the state games.
Perez Plater, Special Olympics DC, participates in golf and basketball. His favorite sport is golf and his favorite Special Olympics moment was winning a gold medal at the 2022 USA Games.
Annu Singleton, Special Olympics Maryland, participates in 17 sports including kayaking, sailing, soccer and snowshoeing with speed skating being his favorite. He was excited to take part in Maryland state Polar Plunge for the first time ever this year.
Alexea Wentz, Special Olympics Maryland, participates in cheerleading, dance, and bowling. Though cheerleading is her favorite sport, her favorite Special Olympics moment was finding out she was going to the 2022 USA Games in Orlando, FL to represent her state in bowling.
