Chris Nikic, who has Down syndrome, will put on bib quantity 321 whereas competing within the Boston Marathon later this month. (Adidas)
With a brand new marketing campaign, Adidas is asking on marathons to put aside bib quantity 321 — a determine related to Down syndrome — for neurodivergent runners and one of many nation’s greatest races is already on board.
The bib quantity will likely be reserved for Chris Nikic on the Boston Marathon on April 18, Adidas mentioned. In 2020, Nikic grew to become the first individual with Down syndrome to finish an Ironman.
Nikic is featured in an Adidas video selling the sportswear model’s Runner 321 marketing campaign, which is encouraging different races to observe the lead of the Boston Marathon. The marketing campaign can also be aimed toward serving to individuals with disabilities see themselves in mainstream sports activities, one thing that Nikic says was lacking when he was youthful.
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“Operating modified my life, however now I need everybody like me to see it’s doable for them too,” Nikic says within the video. “This time, I’m runner 321. Subsequent time, I need it to be you.”
The Boston Marathon has already dedicated to creating Runner 321 obtainable for all neurodivergent athletes at subsequent yr’s race, Adidas mentioned.
“Chris Nikic is an inspiration to so many. He has confirmed nothing is not possible changing into the primary individual with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman triathlon,” mentioned Chris McGuire, vice chairman of sports activities advertising and marketing at Adidas. “We hope others will be part of us to create extra illustration and inclusivity in mainstream sporting occasions so all athletes, like Chris, can actually see themselves in motion.”
