The Legacy on Ice Benefit Event: A Tribute to Tragedy and a Celebration of Community

A Night to Remember: Paying Tribute to the Victims of Tragedy

On a somber yet heartfelt evening, the nation’s capital played host to The Legacy on Ice benefit event, a poignant figure skating tribute to the 67 lives lost in a tragic midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29. The event brought together some of the most luminous stars of U.S. figure skating, both past and present, to honor the victims of the devastating crash. Among the victims were 28 members of the figure skating community, many of whom had ties to the Washington area. The evening was not just a celebration of their lives but also a fundraising effort to support the families affected, first responders, and the skating community itself.

Skaters took to the ice with heavy hearts, their performances weaving a tapestry of grief, resilience, and hope. The emotional weight of the event was palpable, with many skaters breaking down in tears during or after their routines. Maxim Naumov, skating in memory of his parents, was overcome with emotion, kneeling on the ice as the audience erupted in applause. Amber Glenn and 13-year-old Isabella Aparicio, who skated in memory of her brother and father, also shed tears, their pain resonating deeply with everyone in attendance. "There was not a dry eye to be found anywhere," said Madison Chock, a pairs skater and Olympic gold medalist, capturing the collective emotional toll of the evening.

Coming Together to Heal: A Community United

The event was more than just a performance; it was a collective embrace for a grieving community. Organized by Monumental Sports & Entertainment, U.S. Figure Skating, the DC Fire & EMS Foundation, and the Greater Washington Community Foundation, The Legacy on Ice aimed to provide a space for healing and unity. Ted Leonsis, head of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, drew parallels to the role of sports and art in the aftermath of 9/11, hoping this event would serve as a "collective hug" for those affected.

The arena was transformed into a symbol of remembrance, with 67 stars adorning the dasher boards—each representing a life lost in the crash. Skaters placed flowers on a table of candles rinkside, creating a hauntingly beautiful tribute. For many, the act of coming together was a source of strength. As Olympic bronze medalist Jason Brown expressed, "We’re all here to support one another, whether it was our friends that were on that plane, family members, coaches, teammates, loved ones." The event reminded everyone that grief, though deeply personal, can be shared and understood within a community.

Emotional Performances and Timeless Messages

The performances were a mix of powerhouse skating and deeply personal tributes, each one a testament to the victims and their families. Kristi Yamaguchi and Brian Boitano, icons of American figure skating, served as emcees, setting the tone for an evening that balanced elegance with raw emotion. Boitano opened the show with a message of resilience: "We are not powerless. As skaters, we learned to be resilient and to always find a path forward that is positive."

Ilia Malinin, the reigning men’s world champion, dazzled the crowd with his technical brilliance, but his performance was also a heartfelt dedication to the victims. "All of our daily lives, every time we step on the ice, we’ll always think of them," he said. "Every time we’re competing, they’ll always be in our hearts." Similarly, Johnny Weir skated in memory of members of the University of Delaware Figure Skating Club who were among the victims, while Amber Glenn performed to Andra Day’s "Rise Up," her voice cracking as she broke down in tears at the end of her routine. The evening’s grand finale, set to Lady Gaga’s "Hold My Hand," left the audience in awe, a powerful reminder of the impact of unity in the face of tragedy.

A Platform for Healing and Support

The event was not just a tribute but also a call to action. Funds raised will go directly to support the families of the victims, first responders, and the skating community. For many families affected by the crash, the financial burden is immense, with needs ranging from college tuition for young children to therapy and healthcare. As Monica Dixon, Monumental’s president of external affairs, noted, "Every family will choose how to use those funds in the best way that they choose."

The event also served as a moment of healing for first responders, many of whom were in attendance. The crash and its aftermath were particularly traumatic for those involved in the rescue and recovery efforts. Amy Mauro, executive director of the DC Fire and EMS Foundation, emphasized the importance of the event as part of their grieving process: "The things that they witnessed are very difficult and will stay with them for a long time." For first responders and their families, the gathering was a chance to find solace in a shared experience.

The Power of Sports and Community

The Legacy on Ice event underscored the unique role that sports and art can play in healing and uniting people during times of crisis. The sellout crowd of over 15,000 included fans, first responders, and families of the victims, all coming together to honor the lives lost and support those left behind. The event was also broadcast live on the Monumental Sports Network and streamed on Peacock, with an encore performance scheduled for NBC on March 30. Ted Leonsis hoped that the broader reach would inspire more donations, saying, "People care. The lesson in this is that, to me, if you personalize something like this, you can come together and do the right things in the right way."

Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy of Light and Hope

In the end, The Legacy on Ice was more than just a skating event—it was a testament to the power of community, resilience, and love. As Peggy Fleming, the 1968 Olympic champion, said, "I hope this event will heal and give strength to our skaters in the future." For Alysa Liu, who skated to Mariah Carey’s "Hero," the gathering was a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is hope. "Coming together and seeing everyone again has definitely been the most reassuring feeling," she said. "It’s just because everyone knows exactly how everyone feels."

As the skaters left the ice and the audience filed out of the arena, one thing was clear: the lives lost in the Potomac River crash would never be forgotten. Through the beauty of figure skating, their memories will live on, inspiring future generations to find strength in the face of tragedy. In a world that often feels divided, The Legacy on Ice reminded us of the transformative power of coming together—even in the darkest of times.