Patrick Dempsey Joins the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation Board of Trustees
American actor and race car driver Patrick Dempsey has joined the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation Board of Trustees.
“I am thrilled to join the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation Board of Trustees,” said Patrick. “I’ve been a passionate, lifelong skier and it was a childhood dream to make the U.S. Ski Team. I am excited to now be part of the team behind the team and support these athletes in their incredible endeavors.”
To date, Patrick has competed in pro-am events such as the Le Mans, the Rolex 24 at Daytona, as well as the Baja 1000 and IMSA TUDOR United Sports Car Championship. In addition, his focus on motorsports extends beyond the driver’s seat. Patrick is the owner of Dempsey Racing, and is co-owner of the Vision Racing team in IndyCar.
Patrick is also an avid cyclist. As a result of Patrick’s positive involvement in the sport, he was named an honorary captain of the U.S. Cycling Team in February of 2020. Patrick’s role is part of USA Cycling’s effort to help promote both the sport overall and the U.S. Team at the upcoming 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
In addition to Patrick’s work in sport and acting, his most impressive achievements have been philanthropic. He founded the Dempsey Center in Lewiston, Maine, an organization committed to making life better for those managing the impact of cancer. The Dempsey Challenge, an annual run, walk and cycling experience, is the primary fundraiser for the Dempsey Center, enabling the organization to provide its services at no cost. Patrick also serves as a national spokesperson for Positive Tracks, a national youth-centric nonprofit that helps the next generation get active and give back using the global power of sport.
As a child, Patrick dreamt of being a member of the U.S. Ski Team and pursuing the Olympic dream. This dream led him to win a Maine High School State Slalom Championship. However, his on-screen and other athletic pursuits took him in a different direction. Patrick never lost his love for the sport and makes sure to get on his skis regularly during the winter, averaging 24 days on the slopes. His favorite places to ski include the Austrian and Swiss Alps, Deer Valley Resort in Utah, and Sugarloaf in Maine. Last season Patrick added an impressive accolade to his name when he skied the Streif, considered to be one of the most challenging downhill courses on the FIS Alpine World Cup Tour, during the course inspection at the 2020 Hahnenkamm.
His competitive spirit, passion, and respect for the pursuit of greatness are qualities that also resonate among U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes, members, staff, fans, and beyond. In a 2014 interview with the New York Times, Patrick said, “there’s something very satisfying about training. Psychologically and emotionally, the process and the inner desire that it takes and the mental focus it takes to be competitive is far more satisfying to me in many ways than acting.”
As a member of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation Board of Trustees, Patrick’s involvement will directly support the same dreams and pursuits of U.S Ski & Snowboard athletes that he shared as a child. Patrick’s experience in sport, philanthropy, as well as his extensive network of like-minded individuals, will help support our athletes’ Olympic dreams for years to come. Welcome to the team Patrick.
Patrick on Social Media
Instagram: @patrickdempsey
Twitter: @patrickdempsey
Facebook: @patrickdempseyofficial