The Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) and Artistic Swimming Australia (ASA) have launched Dive into Greatness, a fusion of athleticism, artistry and conservation aimed at raising awareness for the Great Barrier Reef in the lead up to World Oceans Day this Saturday, 8 June.
The event featured a breathtaking artistic swimming performance by the Australian Olympic Team, who showcased their Paris Olympics routine in front of MOUA’s stunning underwater art on John Brewer Reef in the Coral Sea. This unique collaboration serves as a powerful visual reminder of the beauty and importance of the Great Barrier Reef – the world’s largest coral reef system and Australia’s national treasure – and corals around the world.
“[MOUA is] a living piece of art that communicates to the people how important research is, how important coral reefs are, and how all these aspects – art, science, humanity – can come together to protect the reef,” MOUA Ocean Sentinel Dr Katharina Fabricius said:
The Olympic team proudly supports MOUA’s #SmallChanges campaign, which emphasises that while the Great Barrier Reef and corals around the world are in trouble, they are also resilient and worth protecting.
“Look at what we can achieve if we work together! Not just Olympic athletes but all of us. Just being out there on the reef with the Olympic Team has been a great inspiration,” MOUA board of directors’ Christian Bartens said.
Marijke Frantzen, ASA Board of Directors said: “Our athletes are not just champions in the water, they are champions for the reef. Their commitment to the protection of the Great Barrier Reef is an inspiration for all of us to contribute our bit.”
All Australians are being encouraged to fight climate change and protect the Great Barrier Reef by making just a few #SmallChanges to their everyday lives.
The stunning coral growth on the museum’s underwater art is living proof of the reef’s resilience, organisers say and the support of the Australian Olympic Team is a timely reminder of what can be achieved by working together as a team.
Dive into Greatness is an invitation everyone to come and experience the reef, learn about this natural wonder, and take collective action by making some #SmallChanges to our daily routines.
For more details click here.
Feature images: MOUA, ASA Dive Into Greatness. Images: Mauceano Pictures
