The Olympics were created for stories just like this one. Seventeen-year old Lia Neal will take her place among a sea of gold medal hopefuls tonight during the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The Brooklyn native has not only caught the attention of her city, but the nation, as the half African-American, half Asian-American athlete becomes the second African-American woman, and one of few Asian women, to make the U.S. Olympic swim team. In support of Lia’s quest for gold, Twelve Bar Co., a popular streetwear company, teamed up with Brand Synergy Group to debut a limited edition “SwimBrooklyn!” t-shirt. All profits will go to the USA Swimming Foundation, to give future swimming hopefuls who will watch Lia and the swim team the opportunity and the tools to create some superhuman waves of their own.
Twelve Bar SwimBrooklyn! T-Shirt, $30
In addition to the t-shirts, Twelve Company has also blessed our ears with a Spotify playist that nods some of the greatest musicians from the famous borough. Grab your headphones, and “shine your light for the world to see.”
Swim, Lia, swim!
-Jada Gomez-Lacayo
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