Six more sport parachutists were inducted into the Skydiving Museum & Hall of Fame Hall of Fame at a ceremony at Skydive Chicago, Saturday evening, September 7th with sport enthusiasts from around the world in attendance. Those inducted were Curt Curtis, NJ and FL; Jack Jefferies, CO; Kim Emmons Knor, CO; Chuck MacCrone, AL; Jackie Smith, England; and Jim Wallace, CA.
The Hall of Fame recognizes and honors those, who through leadership, innovation, and/or outstanding achievements have defined, promoted, inspired, and advanced skydiving at the highest and sustained levels in the past, present and for future generations of skydivers. The Hall of Fame inductees are selected by a nominating committee comprised of museum trustees, representatives from the United States Parachute Association (USPA) and Parachute Industry Association (PIA) governing bodies, and two members of the Hall of Fame. The committee use specific criteria--including leadership, innovation, promotion of the sport, philanthropy, and competition. The selection process discussions include how the nominees had contributed to the sport over their lifetimes. Honorees could be alive or deceased.
The fundraiser raised $70,000 for the Skydiving Museum & Hall of Fame to help raise the necessary funds to build the museum. When completed, the 15,000 square foot Skydiving Museum & Hall of Fame will recognize and promote the sport of skydiving through public education and awareness; recognize the contribution to skydiving by its participants, suppliers and supporters; capture forever the history of the sport through is events, equipment and personalities; and enhance aviation safety as it pertains to skydiving. It is expected the museum will draw visitors from throughout the world to experience the thrill of skydiving through its history of people, equipment and events.