Salt Lake City, UT – With their first competitions just weeks away, a few U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Snowboarding, and U.S. Freeskiing athletes took a break from their pre-season preparations to spend a day with patients at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City.

Kira Tanghe (aerials – U.S. Ski Team), Megan Nick (aerials – U.S. Ski Team), Mick Dierdorff (U.S. Snowboarding) and McRae Williams (U.S. Freeskiing) spent the afternoon with over 10 patients from the hospital. Between Halloween crafts and games of giant Jenga, there were a lot of smiles to be seen.

“It’s great to come down and hang out with these kids, show them a good time and tell them a little about our sports,” said Dierdorff. “We’re here to help take their mind off things for a little bit.”

The athletes were joined by local student representatives from Love Your Melon, an apparel brand whose proceeds support the fight against pediatric cancer.

“No kid should have to go through this, but Love Your Melon is a way for people to raise money for a good cause and give kids a few days a year where they can have fun and just be like any other kid,” said Tanghe. “Seeing these kids smile, away from their hospital rooms – it’s just really awesome to be a part of that.”