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7-09-2025 12:46am
Skating Club of Boston Announces Plans to Honor Six Members Who Were Lost in January Plane Crash
Darlene Cancell
Editor
The Skating Club of Boston on July 7th announced its plans honor its six members who were lost in a tragic January 29th plane crash in Washington D.C., with the establishment of an onsite memorial and scholarships, supported by a fundraising campaign, called "Always Champions."
The club will fundraise to establish two new scholarships, one in honor of skater Jinna Han, and one to honor skater Spencer Lane. The criteria for the awards will be determined by the Han and Lane families and will be awarded to future skaters at the Skating Club of Boston.
The club is also establishing four annual awards in honor of both Han and Lane, along with skating coaches Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, to be presented each June at the club's annual awards banquet. The criteria for these awards will be determined by Max Naumov, son of Evgenia and Vadim; Joon Han, father of Jinna Han, and Doug Lane, father of Spencer Lane.
Also, as part of the campaign, the club will rename its West Rink to the "Always Champions Training Rink," which will include a tribute with stories and photos of the skaters, their coaches, and the mothers of each skater, Jin Hee Han and Christine Lane. A donor wall will feature those who have donated $1,000 or more to the campaign.
"Spencer truly found his people and his place at The Skating Club of Boston, and I have so many memories of Christine smiling and laughing with dear friends at the Club," said Doug Lane. "I'm incredibly grateful to this community for honoring the six amazing people we lost, and for ensuring that their spirit continues to inspire others to chase their dreams."
Another physical memorial will be in the form of three benches set outside the Norwood facility's main entrance, in reference to the three families impacted by the loss. Two weeping cherry trees will be planted on each side of flag poles are are currently front and center of the facility. Memorial plaques will be installed.
On Thursday, August 21st, the club will offer the community a chance to participate in the campaign, with an Always Champions Frozen 5K fundraiser. Participants will skate 28 laps, individually or as part of a team, on the ice of the Norwood facility's Olympic-sized rink. Walkers are also invited to participate on the concourse.
"We developed this campaign to honor the memories of these six individuals, and to ensure that their personal legacies will forever be a part of the Club's legacy," said Doug Zeghibe, CEO and Executive Director of The Skating Club of Boston. "Their commitment ot the sport and spirit of excellence will continue tin inspire today's and future generations of our community. For all of us, they are Always Champions who will never be forgotten," he said.
Thanks to The Skating Club of Boston for sharing this news with Westwood Minute.
