Adidas Honors Down Syndrome & Other Neurodivergent Runners Invisible In Sport
Video screenshot via Adidas
From celebrating breasts of all shapes and sizes to designing workout wear that adapts to changing pregnant bodies, Adidas has been racing to remind the public that sports doesn’t discriminate.
And now, the sportswear giant is fighting for a permanent spot for underwhelmingly-represented neurodivergent runners. For World Down Syndrome Day, it unleashed Runner321, its campaign for marathons to reserve bib #321 for neurodivergent athletes.
The accompanying spot (by advertising agency FCB Canada) features athlete Chris Nikic, the first person with Down syndrome to complete a triathlon, and now the first athlete with Down syndrome to be endorsed by Adidas. In the video, Nikic recalls rarely having anyone to look up to in mainstream sports growing up.
“And now, we’re changing that,” he adds.
To start the ball rolling, Nikic will run at the Boston Marathon on April 18, wearing bib number 321. This particular event will thereafter continue the tradition by designating #321 to a neurodivergent runner every year.
Video screenshot via Adidas
The number means a lot to advocates as it refers to an alternative name for Down syndrome, Trisomy 21.
Image via Adidas
Adidas is hoping more running events will follow suit and start saving the bib number for Down syndrome and other neurodivergent athletes.
Image via Adidas
“It’s time we saw a Runner 321 in every race. Will you join us?” it asks.
