Last year I was commissioned to create an artwork to celebrate the collaboration between the Great British Wheelchair Rugby Team and the city of Kitakyushu in Japan. At the 2021 Paralympics the city of Kitakyushu hosted the GBWR team and an endearing and enduring partnership was formed.
The artwork I created is part of this unique legacy and celebrates the success of athletes that have overcome adversity and honours the bravery, talent and perseverance of the GBWR team. The enthusiasm and kindness of the people of Kitakyushu is also captured in my playful artwork as are the local landmarks. I loved drawing the children waving flags together with the wheelchair athletes colliding on the court in their attempt to grab the ball.
The artwork was revealed at a press conference in Kitakyushu and will be kept by the city as a memento to this wonderful collaboration.
And Team GBWR won gold! I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to be part of this amazing achievement. The memory of creating this artwork and being part of something so special will last with me forever. Go GBWR Team ... Go Go GO!
