NATIONAL SKYDIVING MUSEUM WEEKEND HONORS SPORT’S LEGENDS
Sep
24
Friday, September 24, 2010
DELAND, FL –The "National Skydiving Museum Weekend Honoring Joe Kittinger," held at Skydive DeLand, Florida, the weekend of August 13th raised more than $110,000 toward the building of the museum. The event attracted more than 300 participants, sponsors, and spectators who enjoyed a phenomenal weekend of skydiving exhibitions and activities. A highlight of the weekend was special guest, Floridian Colonel Joe Kittinger (Altamonte Springs, FL), who was honored as he celebrated the 50th anniversary of his jump from space. The weekend culminated with the introduction of the inaugural “Class of 2010” into the National Skydiving Museum’s Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony recognized eleven individuals who have made a permanent mark in skydiving history.
Fifty years ago, on August 16, 1960, Air Force Capt. Joe Kittinger exited at 102,800 feet from a helium balloon over New Mexico, reaching a speed of 614 mph during a four-and-a-half minute free fall. That record still stands today, although there have been several attempts to better it. At a special reception at the Drop Zone Friday evening, Joe, 81, who retired as a colonel, greeting friends and admirers and signed copies of his new book “Come Up and Get Me: An Autobiography of Colonel Joseph Kittinger.” Joe was recognized with honorary awards from the Parachute Industry Association (PIA), United States Parachute Association (USPA) and the National Skydiving Museum.
Celebrating in the sky, jumpers flew 50-way formation skydives all weekend, with Sunday’s culminating jump featuring a K (for Kittinger) in the center. Members of the U.S. Army Golden Knights 8-way team, the Air Force Parachute Team “Wings of Blue” and the legendary D-1, Lew Sanborn, also participated in many of the activities. The crowd also enjoyed watching wingsuit jumpers swoop past a 25-way diamond canopy formation that then split into smaller formations.
A sold-out crowd of 330 guests attended the dinner Saturday evening at the Clarion Hotel, DeLand, where the inaugural Class of 2010 was inducted into the National Skydiving Museum Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes and honors those, who through leadership, innovation and/or outstanding achievements have defined, promoted, inspired and advanced skydiving at the highest and sustained levels in the past, present and for future generations of skydivers. The 2010 honorees are: Lowell Bachman (in memory of), Jerry Bird (Dade City, FL), Tiny Broadwick (in memory of) , Joe Crane (in memory of), Joe Kittinger (Altamonte Springs, FL), Eilif Ness (Norway), William H. Ottley (in memory of), Lewis Sanborn (Imperial, MO), Cheryl Stearns (Charlotte, NC), Ted Strong (Orlando, FL), and Gene Paul Thacker (Raeford, NC).
The weekend fundraiser supports the museum’s $5 million capital program that will raise the necessary funds to build the museum in Fredericksburg, VA. The museum has already acquired the land which is situated adjacent to the U.S. Parachute Association. When completed, the 20,000 square feet National Skydiving Museum will recognize and promote the sport of skydiving through public education and awareness; recognize the contribution to skydiving by its participants, suppliers and supporters; capture forever the history of the sport through is events, equipment and personalities; and enhance aviation safety as it pertains to skydiving. It is expected the museum will draw visitors from throughout the world to experience the thrill of skydiving through its history of people, equipment and events.
For more information about this event or to set up an interview with museum trustees or inductees, please contact Nancy Kemble, Museum Administrator, at nkemble@skydivingmuseum.org or 540-604-9745.
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