The Vail Valley Foundation will commemorate the life and contributions of John Dakin on December 5, 2023, prior to the opening men’s downhill event at the Birds of Prey World Cup. The ceremony, scheduled for approximately 10:30 a.m., will occur just ahead of the national anthem, bringing together community members and ski racing enthusiasts to celebrate Dakin’s legacy.
Dakin, who passed away on April 12, 2023, at the age of 71 after a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s disease, was a prominent figure in the skiing world. He was the first chief of press for three Alpine World Championships, held in 1989, 1999, and 2015. Additionally, he served as the Alpine press chief during the 2002 Winter Olympics and worked as the Alpine mixed zone coordinator at the 2010 Winter Olympics. His career began as a public relations specialist with the U.S. Ski Team and the University of Colorado, where he honed his skills and passion for the sport.
Dakin’s Impact on Ski Racing
Dakin’s influence in the skiing community was profound, particularly in establishing Beaver Creek as a premier venue for alpine skiing. For decades, he was the voice of the Vail Valley Foundation, merging exceptional journalism skills with extensive knowledge of ski racing. His efforts were instrumental in bringing world-class ski racing events to Vail and Beaver Creek, elevating the region’s status on the international stage.
“John Dakin was there from the very beginning, helping to build the Birds of Prey from the ground up and create the world-class course and event it is today,” stated Mike Imhof, President of the Vail Valley Foundation. He added, “His impact on our organization, on this community, and on the ski racing world cannot be overstated. John’s passion and expertise played a pivotal role in establishing Beaver Creek as a premier venue in alpine ski racing and as an international ski destination.”
The tribute on December 5 will feature a short video highlighting Dakin’s life and contributions, along with remarks from community members who admired him. The public is encouraged to attend the downhill event to honor Dakin’s extraordinary legacy, which includes his recent induction into the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame on August 21, 2022.
Event Details
The celebration of John Dakin’s life will take place at the John & Karen Arnold Red Tail Stadium at Beaver Creek. Attendees will gather to reflect on Dakin’s remarkable career and the significant impact he had on the world of ski racing. His contributions will be remembered not only through this event but also through the lasting legacy he leaves within the community.
For more information about the Birds of Prey World Cup and the tribute to John Dakin, visit BCWorldCup.com.
