Tonight, for one night only, the new film RISE will premiere in theaters to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the tragic plane crash that killed the entire US World Figure Skating team. On Feb. 15, 1961, the team of 34 skaters, judges, coaches and family members was on its way to the World Championships in Prague when the plane went down.
In honor of those in American figure skating who lost their lives, NBC’s Matt Lauer will host a special event in New York City this evening at the Best Buy Theater with choreographed figure skating performances, a viewing of the film and skaters such as Peggy Fleming, Dorothy Hamill, Scott Hamilton, Michelle Kwan, Kristi Yamaguchi and several others walking the red carpet.
Proceeds from RISE (trailer below) will go to the US Figure Skating Memorial Fund, which gives $300,000 each year to skaters in need. Find the closest theater featuring RISE here.
Photo by { QUEEN YUNA } via Flickr.