Hurricane for Hope event honors Peterson and pushes for change

By Published On: August 15th, 2012Comments Off on Hurricane for Hope event honors Peterson and pushes for change

One year after his tragic passing, the life of Olympic sliver medalist aerialist skier Jeret “Speedy” Peterson was honored by hundreds of friends, teammates and fans on Friday (Aug. 10). What was most certainly the largest collection of Olympic and Paralympic athletes outside of London, gathered at the Utah Olympic Park in Park City, Utah for the inaugural “Hurricane for HOPE” event.

The Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation and The Speedy Foundation organized the event to raise funds that support youth sports programs and mental health awareness. All proceeds from the event will be used to develop and deliver community educational programs dedicated to understanding mental illness, fighting its stigma, preventing suicide through youth sport programs and inspire youth to participate in sports and enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

The event featured a silent auction, live music, food, a meet and greet with Olympic athletes, and a spectacular big air show featuring the Flying Ace All Stars including Scotty Bahrke, Emily Cook, Heather McPhie and Dylan Ferguson. Barhke honored his friend by successfully performing the Hurricane to a roar of applause. 

The Speedy Foundation was established in honor of the late Olympic medalist, who took his own life last summer after a long battle with depression. Peterson, who took the silver medal at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver with his trick the Hurricane, lived and trained for much of the season in Park City at the Utah Olympic Park (UOP).

“By joining with our winter Olympic teammates, The Speedy Foundation and the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation, we feel we can begin to make a difference for future athletes and young people,” said one of Peterson’s longtime teammates and Speedy foundation cofounder, Emily Cook.
  

Images by Don Cook

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About the Author: Eric Williams