EXCLUSIVE- One of a Kind!

This NFT (Non-fungible Token) is a collector's item, a one of a kind piece of digital art, created as a tribute to the dearly departed Rafer Johnson. The winning bidder will receive a private 'key' which makes them the only one who can unlock and view the encrypted content. The proceeds from this auction and any subsequent electronic transfer of this NFT will be automatically directed to the Special Olympics of Southern California as a donation. The winning bidder will receive consultation in order to access and properly store this NFT.

About Rafer Johnson

Rafer Johnson incessantly and tirelessly worked his whole life, and it was the same motivation he saw in Special Olympic athletes that continued to push him, as seen in his quote from Special Olympics: The First 25 Years: "There are lots of ways to find success. Hard work is one of them. I worked hard. If I knew I was going to win, it's because I knew I had worked harder. I think the most successful people are those who have someone helping them . . . In team work, there's much more strength, depth, and success. There are two sets of eyes, two sets of hands, and two sets of hearts working together. And that's why I am for special athletes - another set of eyes, another set of hands, and a heart working to be there for them, finding a way to help them be the best they can be. I'm on their team" (Bueno 1994). This exemplifies Johnson's commitment to help others and ensure that everyone performs to the best of their ability, and to give all the tools to succeed.

Today, Special Olympics reaches 170 countries, with over 4.4 million individuals with intellectual disabilities, 34,500 of which are from Southern California. With the ultimate goal of promoting an environment and movement of acceptance and equality, Rafer Johnson and Special Olympics have propelled this community to new lengths through the power of sports, team work, and hard work. Johnson took inspiration from the 1968 Special Olympics to go out and create something beautiful, which will continue to benefit the world for generations to come, and in turn, inspire others to do the same.

Rafer Johnson passed way in his home in Sherman Oaks on Wednesday, December 2, 2020.