New initiative will carry Colin Hilton’s legacy forward through mental health, youth sports and memorial

Anonymous gift establishes fund honoring longtime Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation leader

PARK CITY, Utah — A new initiative established in Colin Hilton’s memory will support mental health resources, youth sports scholarships and a permanent memorial at Utah Olympic Park, the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation announced Wednesday as the community gathered to celebrate Hilton’s life.

Hilton, the longtime president and CEO of the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation, died Aug. 21 at age 58 after leading the organization for more than two decades. His career was closely tied to the development of Utah’s post-2002 Olympic legacy, including the Utah Olympic Park, Utah Olympic Oval and Soldier Hollow Nordic Center.

The foundation announced the initiative as family, friends, athletes, colleagues and community members gathered Wednesday evening at Olympic Plaza at Utah Olympic Park for Hilton’s Celebration of Life.

Lisa Bennion Rasmussen, chief revenue officer for the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation, said the initiative is intended to reflect Hilton’s approach to Olympic legacy and community.

“We are honored to carry forward Colin’s vision in a way that reflects who he was and what mattered most to him,” Rasmussen said.

The Colin Hilton Legacy and Community Care Initiative was created through an anonymous gift to the foundation. Additional fundraising will expand the initiative’s reach and provide longer-term support for causes and programs that were important to Hilton.

The initiative will initially focus on four areas: mental health resources for athletes, coaches and others in the Olympic and Paralympic community; scholarships to help young people participate in sports; a permanent memorial at Utah Olympic Park; and support for Wednesday’s Celebration of Life.

“We are honored to carry forward Colin’s vision in a way that reflects who he was and what mattered most to him,” said Lisa Bennion Rasmussen, chief revenue officer for the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation. “His impact will live on through our continued investment in athletes, youth, our communities, mental wellness, and the places he championed.”

Hilton led the foundation as Utah’s Olympic venues evolved from facilities built for the 2002 Winter Games into year-round centers for elite athletes, youth sports and community recreation. He also helped facilitate the creation of Park City Ski & Snowboard, bringing eight Wasatch Back ski clubs together under one organization.

His decades of experience with Utah’s Olympic venues also made him a key part of the state’s effort to host the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The foundation announced Hilton’s death Aug. 22. He was 58.

Wednesday’s Celebration of Life at the Utah Olympic Park, was the venue most closely associated with Hilton’s career. The event brought together family, friends, athletes, colleagues and community members to share memories and pay tribute to his life and work.

The foundation is keeping the identity of the donor who established the initiative private at the donor’s request. It is also inviting community members to contribute, saying donations will help expand the initiative’s programs.