The World Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame will feature an exhibit honoring the 1961 U.S. team that was killed in a plane crash in Belgium.  Seventy-two people perished, including 34 members of the U.S. contingent that was on its way to the World Championships in Prague, Czechoslovakia.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at the museum in Colorado Springs at 5 pm on Tuesday, Feb. 8.  It will be open to the public.  "This exhibit is a fitting tribute to the 1961 U.S. World Team on the eve of the 50th anniversary," said U.S. Figure Skating executive director David Raith.  "The exhibit not only honors the team, but also emphasizes the importance of honoring their legacy through the U.S. Figure Skating Memorial Fund."

The fund was established eight days after the crash, and provides qualified U.S. figure skaters in need of financial aid with the assistance needed to pursue their goals.  The fund distributes roughly $300,000 annually to aspiring athletes.

After the ribbon cutting ceremony, museum tours will be available.  There will also be an autograph signing session with current members of Team USA.  In addition, there will be a book signing and meet-and-greet with Patty Bushman, author of the book Indelible Tracings, which recounts stories about the 1961 team members.

For a complete schedule of the grand opening, go to www.worldskatingmuseum.org/61_exhibit.htm.  Seating will be limited, so to reserve a place, call 719-228-3450. 

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