Prince Albert of Monaco leads the delegation in support of Art of the Olympians Gallery & Museum

Prince Albert of Monaco, an Olympian himself, led the delegation at the Florida House on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on December 1 in support of Art of the Olympian's efforts to establish a gallery and learning center in Ft. Myers, Florida where everyone can engage in an educational and cultural exchange while bridging differences and strengthening relationships.

The exclusive event was hosted by the Florida House on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Sebastian Ferrero Foundation founders Horst and Luisa Ferrero, were invited to join Senator Bill Nelson, Senator George LeMieux, Florida Secretary of State, Kurt Browning, and Congressman John Mica of the Seventh District of Florida, UF Board of Trustee and Florida House Trustee, Cindy O'Connell, Olympian and UF Alumni, Dr. Liston Bouchette along with other prominent guests. His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco was the guest of honor. This delegation represents one of the final steps in transforming the dream of the late Al Oerter, four-time Olympic Gold Medalist, into a reality that the global community can enjoy.

"Every child desires to play; to run, jump and throw; to create; to draw, dance, and sing. Within every youth there is a given talent to be the best they can be at something. The key is to help them find what they are good at and inspire them to realize their dreams," said HSH Prince Albert.

"We were honored to support a noble cause committed to fostering excellence among today's youth, which has strong parallels to our own efforts in the area of pediatric health care and patient safety," said Horst Ferrero, Founder, Sebastian Ferrero Foundation. The Foundation's goal is to build a dedicated, full service state-of-the-art children's hospital in Gainesville, Florida. "The Center's focus on art and creative programs targeting our youth will have a lasting impact and naturally aligns with the Foundation's efforts. Art and education for children will be a significant part of the dedicated children's hospital we are advocating for," said Founder Luisa Ferrero.

With more than 10,000 square feet of floor space, the new Art of the Olympians Gallery & Museum invites visitors to discover the ancient Olympic ideals through evolving displays of film, art, academic presentations and more. The Museum programs will be committed to inspiring individuals, particularly youth, to strive for personal growth by focusing on innovation and creativity.

Scheduled to open in Ft. Myers, Florida on January 29, 2010, the new Art of the Olympians Gallery & Museum: Center of Excellence is the first of its kind and represents "a place where dreams are formed and success is charted," said Gold Medal Olympian and Artist, Dr. Liston Bouchette, who is an AOTO Board Member.

The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) has granted Art of the Olympians Foundation, Inc., legal use of the word Olympian, which is actually protected by an act of Congress. With its name, Art of the Olympians carries a commitment to encourage individuals of all ages, particularly youth, to be at their best.

"Building alliances within our state is fundamental to successful advocacy work. We look forward to partnering with both the Florida House and the Art of the Olympians for future events to continue to advance our missions," said Horst Ferrero.

SOURCE Sebastian Ferrero Foundation