Salt Lake City, UT-March 20, 2012- When Ryan Hawks, a dynamic 25-year-old skier succumbed to injuries sustained while competing in the 2011 Freeskiing World Tour event in Kirkwood, California; friends, family and the freeskiing community were left with a gaping loss. To extend Ryan's core values to the next generation and honor the legacy of their son, the Hawks family established the Flyin' Ryan Hawks Foundation with a mission to expose, teach and inspire future adventurers.

Serving as a judge for the Junior Freeskiing Tour, Ryan was a huge supporter of young skiers and a source of inspiration for many, young and old. Motivated by his passion, the non-profit foundation provides scholarships to deserving adventurers who are financially disadvantaged, passionate about their pursuit, and represent the principles for which Ryan was widely known and admired. The joy and pride found in accomplishing your dreams is a value Ryan held dear to him and is a fitting legacy to leave behind.

As their mission states, Flyin' Ryan aims to inspire young people to live every day, all day and never stop exploring life, to expose them to the world of outdoor adventure and to teach Ryan's principles of living and core values.

"We hope to make the world a better place, one person, one event, one decision, one core value, one day at a time," said Peter Hawks, Ryan's father. "Through the foundation we enhance Ryan's legacy by providing opportunities and inspiring others."

The Flyin' Ryan Hawks Foundation family has grown to over 500 participants including Ambassadors and donors with a newsletter reach of 5,000. The foundation has 25 bases, called "Centers of Influence", across the country that include ski areas, shops and organizations that were integral to Ryan's life. In the upcoming year, the foundation plans to increase their scope with an additional 75 Centers added and a goal of 20,000 members.

Shortly after Ryan passed, his family found on his computer a note to himself, Ryan's 13 Core Principles: Live every day, all day / Never Stop exploring life / Never lose my adventuresome attitude / Be the best brother, son, uncle I can / Look out for others / Look out for myself / Look out for our surroundings / Be self-sufficient / Don't be afraid to ask for help / Work hard / Live easy / Live simply.

The Centers of Influence are Mad River Glen, Sugarbush, Smugglers Notch, Powder Mountain, Alta, Goldminer's Daughter, Snowbird, Catamount Outdoor Center, Hamilton Sports VT North, Mountainside, Alpine Options, Racestock, Ski Rack, Outdoor Gear Exchange, Champlain Valley Crossfit Gym, Fellowship of the Wheel and South Burlington High School.

The foundation is sponsored by Tecnica/Blizzard, Flylow and Wagoner Skis and supported by IFSA, MSI, Meathead Films and Ski the East.

To join the foundation's newsletter, donate, become a member or for additional information please visit www.flyinryanhawks.org.