The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF), in partnership with the cities of Ketchum and Sun Valley, will host a community-wide celebration from 5:15-8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17, honoring the Wood River Valley athletes and coaches who represented Team USA at the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Milano-Cortina, Italy.

Community members and visitors are invited to gather in celebration of the athletes’ accomplishments and the region’s longstanding tradition of excellence in winter sports.

“The Games are such a unique experience, but some of the most meaningful moments come afterward,” said Chase Josey, three-time Olympian. “Coming home and celebrating this achievement with the community that’s supported me from the very beginning is an honor and an exciting part of the journey.”

The celebration will begin at 5:15 p.m. at Champions Meadow with a community welcome from seven-time Paralympic medalist Muffy Davis. Athletes, coaches, and community members will then participate in a parade to Ketchum Town Square from 5:30-5:45 p.m. Remarks and special presentations will follow from 5:45-6:15 p.m., featuring Olympians, Paralympians, coaches, and community leaders. The evening will conclude with live music by Portland-based classic rock cover band Running with Scissors, Sawtooth Brewery’s Outpost Food Truck, Leroy’s Ice Cream, and autograph signing with the athletes from 6:30-8:00 p.m.

“As a former athlete from this amazing community, I know how meaningful these public recognitions are for both the athletes and our community as a whole,” said Davis. “I’m excited to celebrate these athletes, recognize their outstanding accomplishments, and show them how proud we are of all they’ve achieved.”

Eight athletes with ties to SVSEF and the Wood River Valley competed on the world stage in Milano-Cortina and will be recognized during the celebration, including three-time Olympian Chase Josey; four-time Paralympian and eight-time medalist Jake Adicoff; two-time Paralympian Jesse Keefe; John Steel Hagenbuch; Sammy Smith; six-time Paralympian Laurie Stephens; Ryder Sarchett; and Peter Wolter, who served as Adicoff’s guide and is a member of the SVSEF Cross Country Gold Team. Five-time Olympian and four-time Olympic medalist Hilary Knight, who helped lead Team USA to Olympic gold in Italy, has also been invited to be recognized. Attendance by Smith, Wolter, and Knight is subject to travel, training, and professional commitments.

“My experience at the Games came with a lot of highs and lows,” said Keefe. “It left me with some frustration, but even more motivation to keep working and pushing forward. The support from this community has meant so much to me. I’m excited to celebrate in July, reconnect with everyone, and thank the people who have helped me get to where I am.”

The event will also recognize members of Team USA’s coaching and technical staff from the Wood River Valley, including Andy Gilbert, Austin Savaria, Peter Holmes, Sam Wood, and Graham Watanabe.

“For generations, athletes and coaches from the Wood River Valley have represented our community on the international stage with determination, sportsmanship, and excellence,” said Pete Prekeges, Mayor of Ketchum. “This celebration is an opportunity for all of us to come together and recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of these Olympians, Paralympians, and coaches who continue to inspire the next generation.”

The Sun Valley area has long been recognized as one of the nation’s premier winter sports communities, producing Olympians, Paralympians, national team athletes, and elite coaches across multiple disciplines. From alpine skiing and snowboarding to cross-country skiing and adaptive sport, SVSEF and the broader Wood River Valley community have helped cultivate generations of athletes who have competed at the highest levels of international competition.

“This community has always rallied behind its athletes,” said Scott McGrew, SVSEF Executive Director. “We hope everyone will join us in celebrating not only the remarkable performances in Milano-Cortina, but also the dedication, perseverance, and community spirit that make this place so special.”

About Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation

Since its inception in 1966, the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation has been a longstanding pillar in the community, providing snowsport programs and offering academic assistance to support student-athletes in reaching their highest potential. SVSEF offers an array of programs for athletes ages five and up, from learn-to-ski and ride through FIS and other national and international-level competition. The organization offers financial assistance to families, so that anyone who wishes to may participate. For more information, please visit svsef.org

About the City of Ketchum

The city of Ketchum is located in the Wood River Valley in south-central Idaho. Founded in 1880 during the mining boom, Ketchum is now regarded as one of the most popular destinations for winter and summer visitors due to its world-class skiing, mountain biking, fishing, hiking, restaurants, art galleries, and shopping. The City of Ketchum hosts the famous annual Wagon Days Parade, held on Labor Day weekend, and numerous other year-round attractions. Ketchum is home to more than 10,000 full- and part-time residents. For more information about the city of Ketchum, visit ketchumidaho.org.

About the City of Sun Valley

The City of Sun Valley is located in the Wood River Valley in south central Idaho and is home to the world’s first chairlift. Founded in 1947, Sun Valley is a world-class community with many amenities, including skiing, mountain biking, fishing, hiking, art galleries, and music festivals.  Sun Valley is home to close to 1,600 full- and part-time residents. For more information about the City of Sun Valley, please visit www.sunvalleyidaho.gov.

Media Contacts:

Heather Foster
Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF)
208-860-535 mobile
[email protected]

Daniel Hansen
City of Ketchum
208-725-8787
[email protected]

Nancy Flannigan

City of Sun Valley
208-622-4438
[email protected]