Owen's Legacy Lives On

Credit:
RICARDO GLORIA -- Calgary Sun



The memory of Owen Hart will live on, not just in the minds of wrestling fans, but in the hearts' of sick kids at the Alberta Children's Hospital. Martha Hart, wife of the dead pro wrestler, has established a memorial fund to help the families of sick children cope with financial problems related to hospital stays.

"It's a much-needed program. There's a very great need and Owen was a great advocate for the Children's Hospital," Martha Hart said during a press conference at the hospital yesterday.

The fund will provide $10,000 annually, in addition to the $189,000 already donated in the memory of Owen Hart.

Diana Everatt, manager of child development and family support for the ACH, said that while there are government programs available to parents, this fund will be a welcome addition.

"I think this demonstrates a concern and empathy for families in our community who struggle to make ends meet and to provide for their children," said Everatt Along with the monetary donation, nine-year-old Oje Hart, Martha and Owen's eldest son, donated a painting titled The Last Ride.

Owen Hart died May 23, 1999, after falling almost five storeys during a World Wrestling Federation event in Kansas City.