Whether it is the Flying Ace freestyle shows at the UOP, public skates at the Kearns Olympic Oval or the Soldier Hollow Adventure Summer Camp in Midway, Colin Hilton has been a multi-venue ringmaster for the last 16 years.
“I believe the strong support for hosting the Olympics again stems from families throughout Utah having kids in a winter sports program or attending our numerous events,” says the CEO of the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation.
A native of western New York, Colin was lured to the Wasatch Back by the double-barreled appeal of the mountain West and the 2002 Olympic spirit. “I was eager to see another part of the US after working for FIFA World Cup in Boston and the 1996 Summer Olympics,” he recalls. “I got here in ’99 to help plan the local venues like Olympic Park, PCMR, Deer Valley, and the unofficial fourth venue, Main Street!”
Olympic momentum led to a four-year stint as Park City’s Economic Development Director and, in 2006, a chance to run the Olympic Legacy Foundation. “I’m passionate about seeing all ages and ability levels benefitting from these facilities,” he says. “Unlike most (post-Olympic venues), we run them ourselves, employ the coaches and run the programs.”
Away from the office, “a family with three teenage boys keeps me on my toes,” Colin smiles. “We love skiing and mountain biking. Exercising two active dogs in Round Valley keeps me connected to these amazing mountains.”
Colin says valuable life lessons are at the heart of his mission to help people enjoy an active lifestyle. “Our programs are about setting goals, building confidence, and having fun with friends. We deliver a “living legacy” of Olympic venues that are four times busier today than just after the 2002 Games.”
We think you could say the same about Colin, a dedicated keeper of Park City’s Olympic flame.
