"Legacy on Ice": A Night of Remembrance, Healing, and Hope
In the heart of the nation’s capital, a poignant scene unfolded at Capital One Arena on a recent Sunday evening. It was a night etched with grief, yet illuminated by resilience and unity. "Legacy on Ice," a benefit figure skating show, brought together a constellation of stars, first responders, grieving families, and a community united by a shared tragedy – the mid-air collision outside Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport that claimed 67 lives.
The air crackled with emotion as figure skaters, past and present, took to the ice to honor the memory of those lost. The event served as a fundraiser for the victims’ families, aiming to provide them with the resources needed to navigate the long road ahead. But more than that, it offered a space for collective mourning, healing, and a glimmer of hope.
The magnitude of the loss was palpable. Twenty-eight members of the figure skating community were among the victims, their absence deeply felt by those who shared their passion and dedication to the sport. Evan Bates, an Olympic gold medalist in ice dancing with partner Madison Chock, articulated the challenges faced in grappling with the tragedy. He expressed hope that the show would offer a "glimmer of hope and a little light for that next step forward."
American figure skating icons Kristi Yamaguchi and Brian Boitano served as emcees for the evening. Boitano emphasized the resilience inherent in skaters, urging them to "always find a path forward that is positive." The arena, typically a space for entertainment, was transformed into a sanctuary of remembrance. Sixty-seven stars adorned the dasher boards, each representing a life lost. Skaters placed flowers on a rink-side table holding candles before commencing their routines, a touching tribute to the departed.
Maxim Naumov’s performance was a particularly moving moment. He wept on his knees, dedicating his performance to his parents. Tears streamed down his face as he skated off the ice, holding an electric candle aloft amidst thunderous applause. Amber Glenn and 13-year-old Isabella Aparicio, who skated in memory of her brother and father, also succumbed to the emotional weight of the occasion. Madison Chock noted that there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. The sorrow was so profound that a low murmur of crying resonated through the arena, amplified by the soft glow of cell phone lights held aloft by the audience.
Jason Brown, a 2014 Olympic team bronze medalist, expressed the profound impact of the tragedy on the skating community, emphasizing the integral role travel plays in their lives. He described the event as a demonstration of support for "friends that were on that plane, family members, coaches, teammates, loved ones." Brown’s performance to Josh Groban’s "The Impossible Dream" resonated deeply with the theme of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Each performance was infused with personal meaning and heartfelt dedication. Amber Glenn’s rendition of Andra Day’s "Rise Up" brought her to tears at center ice. Johnny Weir dedicated his performance to the members of the University of Delaware Figure Skating Club who were on American Flight 5342, traveling from a national development camp. Ilia Malinin, the reigning men’s world champion, described the tragedy as "devastating" and expressed his desire to create a lasting memory for the skating community. He assured that those lost would forever be in their hearts and minds, influencing their daily lives and competitions.
Peggy Fleming, the 1968 Olympic champion, hoped the event would provide "strength to our skaters in the future." Alysa Liu, skating to Mariah Carey’s "Hero," spoke of the ongoing struggle to cope with the loss but found reassurance in the collective experience. Scott Hamilton, 41 years after winning Olympic gold, led the audience in prayer. The diverse performances, including an ensemble performance set to John Lennon’s "Imagine" and Malinin’s dazzling jump-filled routine, culminated in a grand finale accompanied by Lady Gaga’s "Hold My Hand."
The event drew a sellout crowd of over 15,000, including hundreds of first responders and their families, some traveling from as far as Baltimore. Amy Mauro, executive director of the DC Fire and EMS Foundation, acknowledged the challenging scenes witnessed by first responders and emphasized the event’s role in their grieving and healing process.
Ted Leonsis, head of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, drew parallels to the healing role of sports and concerts at Madison Square Garden in the aftermath of 9/11. He expressed his hope that the event would provide a "collective hug" for the community and raise significant funds for the victims’ families. Monumental president of external affairs, Monica Dixon, outlined how the funds would be used, addressing needs such as college tuition for young children and therapy and healthcare for those affected.
The event aired live on Monumental Sports Network and streamed on Peacock, with an encore performance scheduled to air on NBC, further amplifying the fundraising efforts. U.S. Figure Skating interim CEO Sam Auxier lauded the show’s power, noting that even Ilia Malinin’s passion and feelings about the tragedy shone through in his skating. Leonsis emphasized the importance of personalization in fostering community support and doing "the right things in the right way."
"Legacy on Ice" was more than just a figure skating show; it was a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience, compassion, and unity in the face of unimaginable loss. It served as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope can emerge, healing can begin, and a community can come together to support those in need. The event underscored the importance of remembering those who have passed, honoring their legacies, and finding strength in collective grief. It was a night that transformed sorrow into solidarity, loss into love, and a tragedy into a powerful symbol of hope for the future.
