Late MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden Will Have Memorial Statue Set Up in Hometown Kentucky
The motorcycle world lost an inspiring hero last year when former MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden passed away in a traffic accident.
(Image taken from MotoGP)
But his memory will live on, not just in the hearts of many others, but also with the special tribute Hayden’s hometown has planned for him.
(Image taken from Cycle World)
On 8th of June this year, a remembrance ceremony will be held on the front lawn of the Owensboro Convention Center in Kentucky. The ceremony will see an uncovering of Nicky Hayden’s statue, which will be a permanent installation and erected outside the city’s convention center.
The following day, the mayor of Owensboro, Tom Watson, will read a public proclamation declaring the 9th of June as “Nicky Hayden Day”.
The date, as you may have guessed, has a special significance. June 9th is written as 6/9 in numerical terms, a subtle but heartwarming tribute to the late motorcycling star’s number.
(Image taken from Honda Motor)
“It is with great pride that we as a community have the opportunity to continue the Kentucky Kid’s legacy in his hometown,” said Mayor Watson. “We will have a lasting memorial to not only Owensboro, Kentucky, but to the world. I want to thank the Hayden family for allowing us to partner with them on this truly eventful day.”
Hayden’s sister, Kathleen, also tweeted: “Although Nicky spent most of the year travelling around the world, there was no other place that he loved more than his hometown. Where he came from was very important to him, and he took great pride in representing Owensboro in a positive way. We would like to thank the city for their support in this project and we hope everyone can join us for this very special event.”
The ceremony will truly be a great way to honour Hayden’s memory.
Rest in peace, Nicky Hayden. You will be missed.