Ogden Regional Medical Center (ORMC)began a formal healthcare partnership with the OWIA in 2009. Discussions began after Steve Rogers, OWIA Manager of North America Operations, introduced the idea to Mark Adams. It has been an ideal partnership since the Flying Kangaroos have lived and trained during the winter months in the mountains surrounding Ogden, Utah, for over 20 years. ORMC is a 238-bed full service tertiary hospital located in Ogden, Utah, only 20 miles from Snowbasin Ski resort, where the Flying Kangaroos Aerial Skiing Team have trained for many years.
In those early years, it was surprising news that Australia had already experienced some great success on the world stage of winter sports. Coupling the proven high-quality healthcare of ORMC to help the high calibre Australian winter athletes made very good sense. The hospital has always stood ready to provide any and all healthcare resources necessary for the continued health and performance of these elite athletes.
Mark Adams, CEO expressed great appreciation for this 15-year partnership that has existed between ORMC and OWIA and stated, “we look forward to continuing this relationship into the future”. Mark is officially retiring as CEO of ORMC in early 2025. However, this will not impact our resolve and plans to continue as the North America healthcare sponsor for the winter athletes from down under that train here. The new CEO at ORMC, Jerry Gonzalez, is excited about continuing and supporting the partnership with OWIA.
Mark goes on to say, “this relationship has been so meaningful, that I often find myself cheering and rooting for the Australian athletes’ success even over and above US athletes.” Of course, it helps that so many Australian winter athletes have been on the international podium of success over these past years.
Geoff Lipshut, OWIA CEO:
“Our partnership with Ogden Regional Medical Center and Mark Adams and his team has always been special. I remember having just formalised the arrangement in Ogden with ORMC with Mark on the way to the Vancouver Olympic Games in early 2010.
“Shortly afterwards at those games Lydia Lassila became the second Flying Kangaroo to win the Aerial Skiing Olympic gold medal, following in the footsteps of Alisa Camplin, the 2002 Olympic Champion at Salt Lake City. Mark and ORMC brought us the best of luck!
“Knowing we have the support and back up of ORMC is a relief for myself as the responsible officer for our organisation. Our athletes are a long way from home and it is reassuring to know we have the expert professionals available at ORMC to provide our athletes the very best of care.
“It has been a pleasure working together with Mark Adams and our long time manager in North America Steve Rogers through these years. On behalf of our Chairman, Dean Gosper and his board, we all thank Mark and wish him much happiness in his future. Mark is a true friend of the Flying Kangaroos and our organisation.
“Everyone at the OWIA is looking forward to continuing the close relationship with ORMC and CEO, Jerry Gonzalez.”
IMAGE - The Flying Kangaroos with the Odgen Regional Team