Plum Cares: Masterpiece Mesh for Special Olympics
2020 Promote Positivity Design Contest Winner - Leo Launch
Plum Practicewear, a leading online retailer of gymnastics apparel and accessories, has announced the winner of its 4th Annual Promote Positivity Leo Design Contest. This year’s contest was different from previous years. Instead of a portion of the proceeds being allocated towards academic scholarships for gymnasts, they will go to a charity of the winner’s choice.
This year’s winner is fifteen-year-old Morgan Wehner of Howell, Michigan, for her leo named “Masterpiece Mesh for Special Olympics.” Wehner’s leo, which was chosen out of two hundred and fifty three applicants, is Plum’s signature flip side design and features ornate floral details paired with mesh inserts for optimal breathability. Wehner’s cause of choice is the Special Olympics.
When asked why she chose the Special Olympics as her charity, Wehner stated, “There is a meet that our team competes at each year, Gymnastics on the Grand, and on the Saturday night of the competition weekend, they have a Special Olympics meet that we have been able to watch for the last few years. I have loved having the opportunity to watch the athletes compete!”
Wehner’s passion for leo design stems back years of her gymnastics career as well, “I have always loved designing, drawing, coloring, and just art altogether, especially designing leotards. I have been designing leotards for fun for years, and I am so excited that my design is able to come to life!” Wehner stated.
The Plum Cares Promote Positivity Leo Design Contest was started in 2018 to help give back to the gymnastics community by allocating a portion of the leotard proceeds to academic scholarships for graduating gymnastics seniors. However, this year Plum decided to put those funds towards causes of particular importance to the applicants by allowing them to choose a charity to support.
"Over the years, Plum has been approached by #PlumGirls to design leos for specific causes. As a company, giving back is part of our culture, so it was natural to take inspiration from our community and ensure that this year's leotard gave back to a cause that was important to the winner. Morgan picked a great one! The Special Olympics is incredible, especially their campaign, "The Revolution is Inclusion." stated Debra Rizzi, Plum Practicewear Partner and Vice President of Marketing.
Wehner is a member of GymTactics in Mason, Michigan, and enjoys swimming in her pool and spending time with friends. Wehner is a positive force in her community, both in and out of the gym. “My message to share with the Plum community is to remember to be the best version of yourself and stay positive!” she states.
Wehner’s positive outlook is reflected in her leo design as well. The blush pink of “Masterpiece Mesh for Special Olympics” combines perfectly with vivid pops of color adorning the piece. The black stencil-like floral design adds a nice contrast to this leo, giving it both a classic yet unique flair. The lavender mesh inserts in the back and neckline allow air to flow freely during long training sessions.
“Something that stood out to us while working with Morgan was her compassion, sharpness, and grace for life,” states Lincy Crispin, Design and Product Development Director at Plum Practicewear, “We wanted to bring forth those qualities in her print.”
Wehner’s limited-edition leo will be featured in the upcoming Fall 2021 Collection for the price of $42.99, and $5.00 of each purchase will go towards the Special Olympics.
