Mural celebrates legacy of Alberta Summer Games

A newly unveiled mural in Okotoks tells the story of sport and community. 

The 2023 Alberta Summer Games Legacy Art Wall was revealed on June 20 at the Okotoks Recreation Centre. Summer Games organizers and volunteers were joined by local politicians and spectators to see the curtain pulled back on the mural that was designed and painted by Calgary muralist Scott Clark. 

Clark gave remarks at the ceremony along with Okotoks Mayor Tanya Thorn and officials with the Summer Games.

The theme of the design is togetherness, the exhilaration of play, and the value of sport and art in the community, Clark said. 

“I wanted to make the piece playful, dynamic and engaging," he said. "To encourage the participants to take a closer look." 

Called “Go the Distance,” the mural speaks to endurance, to seeing things through and to never giving up, he added. 

Karas Wright, director of culture for the Games, said the Summer Games legacy will last a lifetime, and the mural captures the Games' commitment, energy and sense of community.

Several requirements had to be met in artist submissions for the legacy mural, including incorporating the existing community piano at the location, as well as including the 14 sports represented in the Games, Wright said. 

“It had to have colour, (and) it needed to be inclusive,” she said. “We also wanted to connect the importance of the relationship between sports and culture.”

Thorn said the mural will inspire future athletes and artists to follow their passion. 

“It will continue to be a beautiful reminder of the connection between arts and sports for generations to come,” she said. 

As an artist who appreciates music, Clark explored the theme of Rock the Games, and wove a large guitar in the design. 

“I wanted the guitar to hide in plain sight, something to discover while viewing the piece,” he said. 

As people play the piano, they can imagine the music as the fuel for the activity taking place in the mural, he said. 

A smaller version of the mural will be presented to the Town of Diamond Valley during its council meeting on June 21.

The Alberta Summer Games will see 3,000 athletes, coaches and officials descend on Okotoks and Diamond Valley from July 20-23.