Matt Norman, director and producer of the new Documentary SALUTE about his uncle Peter Norman and also writer/director and producer of the upcoming big budget "1968" is now looking for support to erect a Statue to honour his uncle Peter Norman.
Peter Norman who won the silver medal in the 200m at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics and was part of one of the most powerful images of the 20th Century when Tommie Smith and John Carlos made what's now known as the Black Power Protest "needs to be honoured" Matt said.
Even though Peter Norman is regarded as Australia's best sprinter in our history and who still holds the Australian and Commonwealth 200m record nearly 40 years later, there is nothing celebrating his achievements in sport and also his courage for standing up for Civil and Human rights with his friends Tommie Smith and John Carlos.
When the American's made a 20 foot high statue to celebrate two of their own, they left out one man who not only earnt that same respect but a man who for the past 40 years has sacrificed his own right to honour his friends. At San Jose State University, there is a statue celebrating what Tommie Smith and John Carlos did during the 68 Olympics. The spot where Peter should be standing is left empty for people to take that position to get photo’s taken with Tommie and John. The white guy who stood up for Black America again has been left out of history..
Matt Norman has started the "Peter Norman Foundation" which will be an ongoing opportunity to raise money for civil and human rights charities as well as sporting charities. Our first project for the foundation will be to have a statue made of the “three men” on the winners podium, with Peter Norman taking pride of place with his friends and fellow athletes. This statue will be the first in History to celebrate all three men and the stance they all took.
The MCG (home to the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne) is the desired location for this monument. We are now raising money and public interest for this statue and hope to have it underway by October 16th this year being the 40 year anniversary of the famous Salute.
In 2006 Peter Norman died at aged 64. Matt Norman's film SALUTE is currently playing in Cinema's around the World and the official biography "A Race to remember" which Matt is co-author is also now available.
If you would like to help please contact Matt Norman @ mattnorman@theactorscafe.com
More info on the book and film can be found at www.salutethemovie.com
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