Adaptive skiing's original pioneer dies

By Published On: March 22nd, 2013Comments Off on Adaptive skiing's original pioneer dies

The grand pioneer of adaptive skiing has passed away. Jack Benedick passed unexpectedly at his home in Denver Tuesday, March 19.

A double leg amputee from the Vietnam War, Jack discovered skiing while rehabbing and took on the sport with a passion, winning a Paralympic silver medal in 1984. More importantly, though, was what he did for others. A relentless promoter, Jack brought adaptive skiing to the USSA in the 1980s, pushing towards formation of the U.S. Adaptive Ski Team. He continued his efforts to bring adaptive skiing to the global stage through FIS and the International Paralympic Committee.

He was widely recognized, enshrined in the Disabled Ski Hall of Fame and U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame, as well as receiving the IPC’s Paralympic Order and USSA’s Bud and Mary Little Award for service to athletes through FIS and USOC.

A memorial celebration will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 21 at The Applewood Golf Course in Golden, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given in Jack’s memory to the Jack Benedick Memorial Fund, with proceeds supporting elite level adaptive ski racers. Checks can be sent to The Jack Benedick Memorial Fund, c/o Park City Foundation P.O. Box 681499 Park City, Utah 84098.

Ski Racing is sadden by Jack’s passing and add our condolences to his family and the entire Adaptive Skiing community. His ability to make us all laugh, particularly while facing hardship, will be sorely missed

USSA photo

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About the Author: Hank McKee

In memoriam: The veteran of the staff, McKee started with Ski Racing in 1980. Over the seasons, he covered virtually every aspect of the sport, from the pro tours to junior racing, freestyle and World Cup alpine competition. He wrote the first national stories for many U.S. team stars, and was still around to report on their retirements. “Longevity has its rewards,” he said, “but it’s a slow process.”