This summer 7,000 athletes will be coming together to compete in the 2015 Special Olympic World Games. 177 different countries will be represented. The games will also be returning to the United States. In honor of this massive and celebrated event, musicians Cody Simpson and Marc Roberge, O.A.R., teamed up with Coca-Cola to create a musical anthem. There was a lot on the line for this collaboration, the single needed to represent the energy and passion behind the Special Olympics and also serve as an inspiration to athletes and supporters alike.
Roberge and Simpson came up with “Reach Up” a pop/rock anthem but it wasn’t until two special guests came into the studio that the song really took shape and became the inspirational sing-along it is today. Breanna Bogucki, a singer and decorated Special Olympic athlete, and Madison Telvin, a young woman with Down syndrome, joined Roberge and Simpson in the studio. These four individuals came together and each brought their own unique set of talents to the single. Now “Reach Up” is a seamless collaboration that is inspiring, motivating and empowering.
“Cody and myself, we wanted to represent these girls properly. When they sang and they performed, they put their heart into it, the song became what it is and I think it’s an anthem for the Special Olympics. That was what we set out to do. ‘Reach Up’ is an inspiration that you can accomplish anything,” explained Roberge. “There are no smoke and mirrors, this is me and Cody sitting back and observing two girls sing their hearts out and really own it.”
The music video captures what Telvin and Bogucki brought to this single, which is a natural and inspirational spirit. Their energy is infectious throughout the video. Both said that this was an experience they could never forget and that it wouldn’t be possible to pick out a single favorite moment from the day because every second was extraordinary.
The “Reach Up” video captures the message behind the song and for Telvin that message is simple. “We want to inspire. Just go for your dreams and make sure your dreams come true.”
Chelsea Lewis from TheCelebrityCafe.com interviewed Marc Roberge, Breanna Bogucki and Madison Telvin. They discussed what it was like working together in the studio and how they are all have a personal connection to the Special Olympics. For every share of the “Reach Up” music video, Coca-Cola will donate $1 to the Special Olympics.
The entire interview is below:
Watch “Reach Up” here: