Special Olympics: Rise With Us, 1

Credits & Description:

Client: 2018 Special Olympics USA Games
Campaign Title: 2018 Special Olympics USA Games
Agency: Publicis Seattle
President: Melissa Nelson
Executive Creative Director: Jason Lucas
Design Director: Alicia Mickes
Studio Director: Ricky Fischer
Copywriter: Jon Swihart
Sr. Designer: Kathy Oneha
Designer: Lucas Fuentes
Designer: Stefanie Farfan
Designer: Dawn Bender
Designer: Chris Gallegos
Sr. Print Producer: Molly Costin
Account Director: Garth Knutson
Account Executive: Pat Hutchinson
Sr. Project Manager: Alycia Ostby
Animation and Design Agency
Prodigious/Greenhouse Studios, Seattle
Executive Producer: Patti McCreary
Art Director: Andrew Hoeveler
Editor: Phil Hamer
Published: June 2018
Synopsis:
Publicis Seattle and the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games are partnering for a uniquely Pacific Northwest welcome to athletes, families, guests and sponsors, as Seattle hosts the national event July 1-6. The Special Olympics USA Games are a premier, national sports competition that showcases the power and joy of sports at the highest levels. The event is broadcast nationally on ESPN and this year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Special Olympics movement.
Publicis Seattle created an overarching brand identity and unique, athlete-personal tagline, Rise With Us. The Rise With Us tagline gives voice to the athletes and is anchored on a rallying-cry, call to positive action manifesto. Additional elements include animated graphics for the Opening Ceremonies in Husky Stadium, as well as designs for the medals and ribbons, posters, and athlete bags. The creative echoes the pride and action Seattle takes in garnering support and attention for progressive, inclusive organizations like Special Olympics. This is reflected in Seattle’s City of Inclusion initiative whereby businesses and organizations are creating a community where people with intellectual disabilities are meaningful and fully welcomed and valued.

The Rise With Us theme and tagline calls for everyone to rise with the athletes. This is a special year, as Special Olympics celebrates its 50th Anniversary and it is important this year’s brand design is not only striking, but also makes a bold, celebratory statement. It is also important the theme is in the voice of the athletes, as the Games are led by the spirit and strength of these exemplary individuals who persevere in their daily lives, as well as in their individual sport. This is their rally cry to join them. Rise up with them.

The 2018 USA Games “Flame / Drop” Graphic is a combination of the iconic Olympic flame (reminiscent of the Games history) and a water drop (collectively representing the famous rain Seattle is known for, as well as the Puget Sound, Pacific Ocean, and the numerous lakes and rivers of Washington State). The shapes that make up the logo intertwine together inspiring powerful feelings of energy, movement and the strength the athletes are known for. The bold blue, green, and purple colors are representative of the sweat of the athletes, the tears of joy and heartbreak during competition, and the natural colors of the landscape that make up Washington State.