Located on the face of the main building, the mural entitled "A Tribute to the Human Spirit" is an exceptional contribution by Cristóbal Gabarrón, the great Spanish artist. It was painted for the Academy's 25th Anniversary Celebration in 1998.
The mural is dedicated to the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in professional baseball. It is one of the largest public offerings of art in the United States and is seen by millions every year as they pass along Highway 98. The mural stands 27 feet (two stories) high and 12 feet wide and has been valued by the European Cultural Commission in excess of $2 million. The scale and content of this mural, coupled with its accessibility to the public, make it a unique cultural attraction for the Mobile Bay region. Few cities in the country have public art of this magnitude to share with the community.
While looking at "A Tribute to the Human Spirit," you are standing
in the Heritage Plaza. At your feet is the 25-year history of the institution.
The estimated 2,000 engraved bricks, entitle the "Walk of Fame,"
represent the names and places that were fundamental in the development
and rapid growth of the Academy and ASAMA. As a part of the institution's
25th anniversary celebration, the Academy constructed this plaza of
red bricks to depict the history of the Academy. The Plaza's
focal point is the Bahrain Meditation Bench. This international commemoration
reflects the Academy's first major international program in the State
of Bahrain. Today, the institution continues to work in Bahrain, building
sport programs and developing coaches to better promote sport in the
country.
Bruce Larsen
"The Weightlifter "
