ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our dear friend Denis Ten, who lost his life on July 19, 2018. He will stay in our hearts forever.

Denis Ten “She won’t be mine” (piano ver.) arranged and performed by Eri

October 5, 2023
October 5, 2023
Dear denis ten,

Im from singapore,
Hear about your passing away news,
Its so sad that you already left us :(
Thanks for making kazakhstan so proud of you!
Please rest well, legend!
May you rest in peace,
We'll always remembered you!
August 30, 2023
August 30, 2023
Denis, the world is such a cruel place sometimes, but it also gave us you. Thank you for gracing it with your existence; yours was a tragically short life, but you lived it beautifully and with courage. You were not only incredibly talented, but you also clearly knew what was important in life, and that was your greatest gift. I still enjoy watching your programs immensely, and I’ll always keep you in my thoughts. All my love to you and those who love you. Rest in peace xx
July 22, 2023
July 22, 2023
Happy Birthday Dennis, you are turning 30.

Please watch over us from the sky for peace in this world.

May your world always be filled with love!




July 21, 2023
July 21, 2023
I can’t believe that 5 years has already gone by.
Your skates still shine.
July 20, 2023
July 20, 2023
Dear Denis,

I never met you, but I can't help thinking of you every year, when June and July approach.
I used to be one year younger than you, but you'll be forever younger than me now. It's so unfair. I keep wondering why a beautiful soul like you had to meet the evil on this earth.

I am at work right now and I saw the date, and I teared up.

I hope the kind words of the people who miss you reach you somehow, I hope you are aware of the positive impact you've had on people, the good you have left here.

We miss you.
July 20, 2023
July 20, 2023
あなたの命日にたくさんの人が、あなたを想っています。
いつまでもみんなの心に生き続けています。
June 16, 2023
June 16, 2023
Gone too soon...but never forgotten Dennis Ten
June 14, 2023
June 14, 2023
デニス
お誕生日おめでとうございます。
いつまでも
あなたを忘れません。
June 13, 2023
June 13, 2023
Dear Dennis,
I hope you're doing well up there. You'll be missed forever.

June 13, 2023
June 13, 2023
Dear, Denis! We love you here on the Earth! We remember you! We hope you are skating with angels in the heaven 's ice rink!
June 13, 2023
June 13, 2023
Happy B. Day, my eternal precious ♡ You'll be forever missed ♡
June 13, 2023
June 13, 2023
Denis, Happy Birthday.
I will never forget such a good person like you.
Your fan Kikka from Italy.
September 3, 2022
September 3, 2022
日本のNozomu Yosioka選手が、ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Ostrava /CZE (Czech Skate 2022)で優勝しました。
彼はインスパイアされた選手としてテンくんの名前を言ってました。
彼が、あなたのように素晴らしい選手になれるように、見守っててください。
July 22, 2022
July 22, 2022
テンくん、日本のYuzuru Hanyuが競技会から離れました。奇しくも貴方の命日と同じ日でした。どちらも忘れえぬ日になりました。
彼はフィギュアスケートの新しい未来を創るつもりです。
そこに貴方も参加してくれていたら、どんなに素晴らしかったでしょう。
これからも貴方の後輩たちを見守っていて下さい。
July 21, 2022
July 21, 2022
Dennis, I will miss you after all these years.
In Japan, there is a period called Obon, during which those who have gone to heaven come back to earth.
I would be happy if Dennis would come back for Obon.
July 19, 2022
July 19, 2022
Denis,
I think I’m still dreaming.
Your time stands still.
I miss you…
July 19, 2022
July 19, 2022
I will never forget
Favorite skater
We love Denis
July 19, 2022
July 19, 2022
I will never forget the beauty elegance athleticism intellect & passion of the unique Dennis Ten. What a tragic loss to the entire human race. Over some car mirrors? Life makes absolutely no sense. I hope he is is floating free. Blessings to his family friends & colleagues. This was truly the definition of the word "tragic". 
June 16, 2022
June 16, 2022
Denis, Happy Birthday!
Now that the global outbreak of infectious diseases has calmed down in some areas, some places are a little more vibrant.
On the other hand, in some countries there are wars and many casualties.
If there is a heaven in the sky, many of those who have fallen in the fires of war will go to you.
I can only hope that those who have suffered in this world are living happily in Denis and there.
But I only wish you and those people could have lived forever.
I want to see Denis skate. I want to see your smile.
June 15, 2022
June 15, 2022
Happy Birthday Denis

You will always be a legend.

Never forgotten.

I am from the US in California.

Will never forget you
June 14, 2022
June 14, 2022
Dear Denis Ten
Happy Birthday
Is it peaceful where your soul is? The world is in a sad battle now. I pray for a solution as soon as possible. By the way, your best friend Mao Asada has made a skating rink in Japan. She hopes that future figure skaters will be able to practice to their heart's content. If Denis was there, he would have smiled with Mao.
Dennis, it still hurts me to think how happy everyone would be if I could see your skates. However, you now know that you are protected by God without suffering or pain. So I only remember your smile and the appearance of skating
See you next year, right?
June 14, 2022
June 14, 2022
テンくんお誕生日おめでとう
29歳ですね
もう引退してたかもしれないけど、すばらしいプロフィギュアスケーターになっていたと思います。
今日、すばらしいニュースが飛び込んできました!
デニス・テンアカデミー開校おめでとう!
セリョージャがヘッドコーチなんですね!
彼は本当にすてきな貴方の良き友人です。
June 13, 2022
June 13, 2022
Happy birthday, Ten-kun! It's been 4 years Your friend Mao Asada has had a great ice show since 2018. This year is the Olympic year, and Japanese athletes did their best! I'm sure Ten-kun is watching it too (* ^^ *) Let's watch it together forever
June 13, 2022
June 13, 2022
今年もこの季節が来ましたね。

テンくん、お誕生日おめでとう。テンくんが遺したものはずっと受け継がれていきます。テンくんはあの日のまま。スマートで、優しい笑顔で、多才で、視野が広くて、そんなところがスケートに全部現れていたように思います。どうかテンくんの愛したこの世界が、平和で素敵なものでありますように。
July 23, 2021
July 23, 2021
It's been three years since that day.
The world is full of confusion.
Is there peace in the heavens where you live? I wanted you to be alive even in this difficult world. My loneliness has not been healed yet. I've lived for half a century. You have been in this world only half as long as I have. It's so unreasonable.
July 22, 2021
July 22, 2021
Dear Denis,

It's hard to believe it's been three years since your passing. You have been and will be always in our hearts. I’ll remember you every time I see a Kazakh skater. Your legacy will live forever.
July 21, 2021
July 21, 2021
Dear Denis,

You'll always be a bright light for all of us.
Look how many people from all over the world stop by and leave kind words... I, we, will never forget you.

Un abbraccio forte, ovunque tu sia, Denis.
July 21, 2021
July 21, 2021
Thank you for a good place to remind you of Dennis
July 20, 2021
July 20, 2021
テンくん
もう3年も経つのですね。テンくんのスケートはいつ見ても色褪せず、美しく、素晴らしいです。才能に溢れ、優しかったテンくんを、いつまでも忘れません。どうぞ安らかに。
July 20, 2021
July 20, 2021
テンくん
もう3年たったのですね。3年経つけれど、いまだにテンくんの映像や写真を見ると、テンくんが天国に行ってしまったことが、やはり信じられません。優しくてクレバーな人柄、人としての有り様や、ノーブルなのに内からあふれるパワーに満ちたスケートなど、今も色褪せることはありません。
デニス。あなたが空の上で自由でありますように。そしてあなたの家族が安らぎを感じていますように。
会いたいです。
July 20, 2021
July 20, 2021
3年。貴方を思い出さない年はありませんでした。今、貴方を悼むために作品を作っています。作業をする度に貴方の美しい姿を思い浮かべています。
ずっとずっと大好きです。
July 19, 2021
July 19, 2021
テンさま
貴方が逝ってもう3年も経つのですね 
悲しさは癒えません
ずっとずっと想っています
July 19, 2021
July 19, 2021
Dear Dennis,
Time flies, you've been away for 3 years. Whenever I encountered your picture in any social media platform, your lovely smile always tugs my heart, like you are still around.
Miss you so much!

Erika

July 19, 2021
July 19, 2021
Denis - You will always be missed & remembered by fans of your beautiful skating . Also people from around the world came to know you had many other gifts to offer the world. Your loss is a cruel tragedy for the human race & will not be forgotten,
June 26, 2021
June 26, 2021
It's wonderful to see people still leave tributes to this wonderful young man whose life was ended so brutally & senselessy over a pair of auto side mirrors. No matter what religion or philosophy one adheres to to try explain away such tragedies this one has always baffled me. Although I only knew of Denis thru his majestic skating & learned of his other talents thru his athletic prowess. I hope his family knows that Denis Ten will never be forgotten by people far & wide who admired him the world over. - from Los Angeles, California
June 15, 2021
June 15, 2021
テンくん、遅れてしまったけど、お誕生日おめでとうございます。
貴方の演技は今も繰り返し放送されて、みんな讃辞を惜しみません。
本当に素晴らしいスケーターでした。
これからも見守っていて下さいね。
June 15, 2021
June 15, 2021
Dear Dennis
Still sad that you're gone.
You were a great person with warm heart ❤
Miss you always.....
June 14, 2021
June 14, 2021
テン君、ハッピーバースデー。
優しくて、明るくて、思慮深くて、沢山の才能があって、誰にでも好かれていたテン君。テン君が残してくれたものはしっかりとカザフスタンやスケート界に息づいているものと信じています。テン君のスケートが大好きです。気持ちが乗り移っていて、真っ直ぐで、リズミカルで、清々しくて。まるでテン君のようなスケート。
テン君、天国でいつかまた会う日まで!
June 13, 2021
June 13, 2021
Dear Denis
Happy Birthday.
I still remember your skating and your smile.
I miss you...
June 13, 2021
June 13, 2021
Remember yesterday, in the rink skating
I remember you
I will always say, I remember you
June 13, 2021
June 13, 2021
Dear Denis, just let you know, your name is still shining in my mind.

July 21, 2020
July 21, 2020
Dear Dennis,

How are you doing up there? I hope you still skate happily.
We miss you.
July 21, 2020
July 21, 2020
テン君
今年もテン君のことをタイムラインでいっぱい見て、大勢の人たちのあなたへの敬意を感じました。写真を見るたびに色んな人に道を示してくれた人だったなぁと思います。演技からも時々見せてくれていた普段の生活や何気ない他の選手の方々とのやりとりから深く印象づけられるものがありました。
私が初めてPeriscopeの配信を見たのはテン君で、突然始まった配信をたまたまキャッチして何気なくコメントしたら、テン君がそれを拾ってくれて嬉しかったのを覚えています。ほんの少しでも触れ合える経験ができたこと、今でも思い出です。
あなたの名前がついたスクールもできたし、これからもきっとスケート界を見守ってくれるだろうと思ってます。テン君ありがとう。
またね。
July 20, 2020
July 20, 2020
あれから2年経ったけど、たまにテンくんのシニアデビューの動画を見たりして色んな感情が溢れます。

今は世界中で見えないウイルスと戦ってて国際試合も出来ない状態になってるけど、テンくんの名前が入った大会や銅像が母国に設置されて貴方の礎はしっかり刻まれてます。
また試合やショーが再開された時は、天国でやさしく見守っててくださいね!

テンくん大好きだよ(*^.^*)
July 20, 2020
July 20, 2020
もう2年も経ったんだね

貴方のスケートが観たいな

とてもとても美しく滑るんだろうな

会いたいな
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Recent Tributes
October 5, 2023
October 5, 2023
Dear denis ten,

Im from singapore,
Hear about your passing away news,
Its so sad that you already left us :(
Thanks for making kazakhstan so proud of you!
Please rest well, legend!
May you rest in peace,
We'll always remembered you!
August 30, 2023
August 30, 2023
Denis, the world is such a cruel place sometimes, but it also gave us you. Thank you for gracing it with your existence; yours was a tragically short life, but you lived it beautifully and with courage. You were not only incredibly talented, but you also clearly knew what was important in life, and that was your greatest gift. I still enjoy watching your programs immensely, and I’ll always keep you in my thoughts. All my love to you and those who love you. Rest in peace xx
July 22, 2023
July 22, 2023
Happy Birthday Dennis, you are turning 30.

Please watch over us from the sky for peace in this world.

May your world always be filled with love!




His Life

In memoriam Denis Ten

July 21, 2018

Denis Ten had only 25 years of time, but he shone bright before his life was cut short by a senseless act of violence on July 19 in his hometown of Almaty when he surprised thieves at his car that apparently tried to steal the mirrors. The two men stabbed the skater brutally and he died of heavy blood loss in hospital where doctors desperately tried to save his life.

Why do I live, why do I die
Why do I laugh,
why do I cry
Here is the S.O.S.

Of an earthling in distress
My feet were never on the ground

I'd much rather be a bird

I don't fit my skin*

The news shocked not only the skating family, but people all over the world. Athletes, coaches, officials, fans, journalists and many others did not want to believe the terrible truth that this brilliant young man was gone. A bright star had left the earth for the sky far too soon.

Denis Ten not only wrote sports history by becoming the first Kazakh figure skater to win an Olympic medal – bronze in 2014 – and medals at World Figure Skating Championships, but he singlehandedly put his country Kazakhstan on the world map of figure skating. He was an inspiration to many other skaters and people from Kazakhstan and from all over the world and impressed with his talents. Most people knew him as a figure skater, but he was gifted in so many ways, as a talented musician and songwriter, a photographer and writer, as a dedicated university student. Just a few days before his untimely death, Denis revealed that he took part in the Screenlife Project, a movie maker contest of renowned director Timur Bekmambetov, and that he was in the semifinal of the top 18 of more than 250 applicants with his plot about a hearing impaired girl and speech-impaired boy.

In summer 2017, Tatjana did an interview with Denis while he was in Korea undergoing rehab after suffering his ankle injury. “All athletes have injuries. But even bad things have a side where you can find something positive. Except for thinking over a lot of things in order to keep yourself somehow busy, in these periods I managed to find myself in very different spheres. Photography, writing, detailed project-planning for future projects and the last two distractions were music and animation. In all these areas I was able to achieve some result,” he said. “For some time, music became such a fascinating journey that I even was asked to try myself as a musician. I do not play an instrument to perfection, but it is easy for me to create songs of very different genres. Once, one of my friends who is a major music producer in Kazakhstan, asked me to send him some demo-versions of my songs. Some things I even completed, but there is just not enough time for that.”

I'd like to see the world upside down
What if it's more beautiful

Seen from above

From above
Denis pursued many projects and organized his own skating show “Denis Ten and Friends”. The last edition just took place on June 9 with many of his skating friends. He had participated in two movie projects and he was part of the team that bid for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games to be held in his hometown Almaty (Beijing won the bid eventually).

A true artist on the ice, Denis combined his skating and technical difficulty with memorable and beautiful programs such as “The Artist” (short and long program in 2012/13), “Silk Road” (long program 2014/15), “The Young Lady and the Hooligan” (long program 2013/14) and “Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 2” (the program that was his breakthrough at the World Championships 2009) and finally “S.O.S. of an Earthling in Distress” (long program 2017/18).

In summer 2017, Denis spoke in an interview with Tatjana about his last programs: “The free program has become a peculiar symbol for me and towards the short program (“Tu Sei” by Vittorio Grigolo) I have a reverent feeling. The idea was born out of amusing situations, but the most valuable for me is that the music (of the free skating) is performed by a Kazakh artist (Dimash Kudaibergen). I feel a very strong connection to the musician and to the piece of music. This adds a certain pressure, but on the other hand I understand that it happens rarely that you manage to find something so precious. I hope when I show this program for the first time to the audience that I will be able to share the emotions that I am feeling myself.”

I always seemed to confuse life
With some kind of comic strip

I'm so eager to get metamorphosed

I can feel something
Drawing me

Drawing me
Drawing me way up high

More than being a successful athlete, a highly intelligent and gifted young man, Denis was most of all a wonderful person, loved by everyone who knew him. He was kind and compassionate, he cared for the people around him, he loved to make jokes and to share is generous smile.

At the same time, Denis had a strong will and never gave up. He went through many ups and downs in his career. Tatjana and Mario recall how Denis competed at the ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships 2007 in Oberstdorf, Germany, which was his first ISU Championship. He was 13 years old at the time and one of the youngest competitors in the event. After an error on his combination jump, he narrowly missed the cut for the free skating by coming 26th. Later he and his mother Oksana shared that after this disappointing result in his debut they were debating whether it was worthwhile to continue skating, but then he decided not to give up and continued to work and train hard. As it turned out, that first Championship was the beginning of a great career.

It took Denis only two years to jump right into the spotlight in his debut at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2009 in Los Angeles, when he skated brilliantly to finish 8th. Other highlights include his silver medal at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in 2013 and the World bronze medal in 2015 and, obviously, the Olympic bronze medal in 2014, the first Olympic figure skating medal for his country, plus the title at the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships in 2015. Unfortunately, Denis often suffered from injuries, especially to his ankles. He severely injured ligaments in his ankle in summer 2017, but still made it to the Olympic Games in PyeongChang, Korea, which was very important to him as he was of Korean descent. “In spite of the unfortunate events today, I will not give up and continue to work. This is life, this is the sport and it all makes our life experience,” he said in PyeongChang following the short program. “To be in Korea is indeed a big honor for me. I have waited for this competition for a long time. Last time I was in Korea, I was on crutches and I couldn't even think about being able to come here as an active athlete."

At the universe's lottery
I didn't get winning numbers
I don't fit my skin

As always, Denis showed a great fighting spirit and was determined to come back. Following the Olympic Games, he took a break to recover from his injuries and focused on his MBA studies in petrol industry at the Kazakh-British Technical University, but then returned on the ice for his skating show in June. He wanted to continue competing, was entered for the Grand Prix in Moscow – he was always popular in Russia, and had trained in Russia for many years until spring 2010 – and only a few days before he was taken out of our middle so brutally he had contacted his choreographers Lori Nichol and David Wilson in Canada to make a new short program and to adapt his long program “S.O.S. of an Earthling in Distress” to the new rules.

I don't want to be a robot
Between metro, work and sleep

The skating community reacted with profound sadness to the tragic death of Denis Ten. Skaters, officials and fans from all over the world posted photos and comments on their social media accounts to share their grief. Among them was Evan Lysacek, the 2010 Olympic Champion and someone young Denis always had looked up to.

Tatjana recalls how Denis told her once how proud he was to get Evan’s autograph when he was a flower kid at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2005 in Moscow where he was training at the time. He kept that autograph in a special place.

Why do I live, why do I die
Why do I laugh, why do I cry

I think I'm picking up

Waves from another world

It still feels unreal to have to write these words and to speak of Denis in the past. When Tatjana asked him almost a year ago last summer about his plans after the Olympic season, he was not sure yet what he will do but said there is a high chance of him to continue competing. “Looking back, independently of what happens in the future, I realize that I had a great career, where everything happened – highs and lows, medals and disappointments, nice memories and not so nice ones, unique events, meetings and many magical things. And the career was not built on one single achievement or a certain medal, but on a chronology of all events as a whole. Thinking about that, the sport has a completely different meaning. Somewhere I realize that I was a really lucky person with a quite fulfilled sports life,” he said.

My feet were never on the ground
I'd much rather be a bird

I don't fit my skin

Denis had a great career with many achievements and his future outside the sport looked bright. As talented as he was, there were so many roads open to him, but he remained modest and down to earth. “I believe I am exactly the same person than I was before. I am still someone who loves the sport, his fans, who is happy about his successes and upset about his failures. We athletes stay the way we are, we are not just growing up, but also growing inside,” he said in PyeongChang when Tatjana interviewed him for the last time in the mixed zone following the short program.

I'd like to see the world upside down
I'd much rather be a bird

Back to sleep, dear child...

Denis Ten will stay in the hearts of many people forever.

Tatjana Flade and Mario Meinel

*The text in italics are the lyrics from the song “S.O.S. of an earthling in distress” (“S.O.S. d’un terrien en détresse”), his last free program that he skated to in a version performed by his friend, Kazakh singer Dimash Kudaibergen.

Recent stories

ずっと忘れない

July 19, 2020
若くして去ってしまったあなたを、まだいないと信じられない私がいます。
録画の中のずっとそのままのデニスが胸をしめつけます。
何年たってもただ悲しい。
会いたい。
もう一度、あなたのスケートを見たい。
生きててほしかった。

More to Say: About Denis and Denis Ten Foundation

July 19, 2020
19th July 2020

In Denis's interpretation of music, lyrics and choreography, we found the sanctuary for our souls. However, the splendid outcome of his rather successful career came at a price. Before making a contribution to Denis Ten Foundation, first of all, let's remember not only his amazing performances on the ice, but also what he sacrificed for the sake of presenting the beautiful scenes to us.



During those years, in order to pursue success, Denis lost part of his health. What he received were cuts, bruises, sprained ankles, hurt knees, hips, back, and broken leg bones amomg others. Obviously, he had to endure endless physical pain.



He had to worry about the high expenditure that was needed to make ends meet, cover his expenses on the ice, and sustain himself throughout financial strains, so as to let himself stay the course in figure skating.



He could hardly relax. He had no time to sightsee despite his frequent business travel. He had to give up most of his leisure that he otherwise could have whiled away, reading his favourite books or discovering other interesting fields. He wasn't allowed enough time to unite with his beloved family, sitting next to them, enjoying meals, having interesting conversations with them, let alone to accompany them to movies, parties, go hiking with them, etc. He was deprived much of his time on fulfilling his duty as a son in terms of taking care of his father struggling with illness: Had been feeling unwell for a while, Mr. Ten still gave up a lot of his own convenience in his life and tried his best to support Denis's career on demand. It seems that it's just too hard for an elite athlete to strike a balance between work and life.



He was under constant pressure and stress. Fear for that he couldn't meet his sponsors and all other supporters' expectations and live up to his name, he sometimes was anxiety-ridden. Meanwhile, he couldn't help being tormented by the feeling of guilt over what he couldn't do and couldn't have done more for audiences due to his frequent injuries. The facts that he attracted media attention from around the globe and his compatriots pinned high hopes on him motivated him, but in the meantime, placed heavy responsibilities on him. Concerning all of above issues, I believe most of figure skaters and their parents and many of figure skating fans understand what I'm saying.



To Denis's relief, with his effort and our support, he found true happiness and fun in his dancing on the ice. He got a lot of opportunities to improve himself by learning from his experiences and from others. During training and competitions, through practices, reflection and tests, he gained wisdom and patience, and strengthened his character. Engaging in figure skating, he got closer to reaching his full potential. He won our admiration as well as appreciation, and made friends with people on and off ice rinks. Showered in our encouragement and gifts, he established himself as an elite figure skater, grew up into an true artist and an excellent athlete, and so gained world-wide popularity. He developed himself into a visionary and showed us his potential as a great leader in international sport management. He also became a national hero. As we know, throughout his career, our concern and support were of great importance to him.



If we wish to see more creative figure skaters like Denis, then we should work to make it happen. We can support emerging athletes as we supported Denis, and we can do more. If we donate to Denis Ten Foundation, then certain of talented younger versions of Denis and Elizabet from Kazakhstan and even from around the the world will gain some forms of support. To some extent, we will exempt the devout young figure skaters from physical, psychological, and financial struggles that Denis, his contemporary and older generations of figure skaters had gone through. This means if through the foundation, we give a hand to the promising young talents, they could suffer fewer injuries and less pain, and be under less stress and strain. Instead, they could work hard with less concerns, stay healthy in general, recover better after injuries, and gain confidence and poise, and so would be able to keep on being in-form skaters as long as possible. Our action will facilitate the realization of those budding elite figure skaters' dreams, and Denis and his parents' aspiritions as well. Without question, our contribution will also reward ourselves. It'll enable us to watch more fantastic innovative performances on the ice, and our engagement in the foundation activities will widen our horizons. Anyway, if we are enthusiastic about engaging with the foundation, Denis in heaven will be satisfied and proud of what we do. As a mature figure skater, Denis had articulately opined such an ideal in the interviews with him and the documentaries taking a look on his career and life: He would spare no effort in producing, presenting and promoting diverse performances; the performances must be enriched with soul put into them. I view this ideal as one of the Denis Ten Foundation's brand core values. Nevertheless, although it's said that hardships in real life are a source of artistic inspirition, it can't be denied that a figure skater overwhelmed by tumultuous difficulties in their life has hardly any chances to reach Denis's ideal. This is why we need to change the landscape. Many figure skaters do need our help.



Besides, I wish the foundation a success also because I speculate that when Denis's family have a clear life purpose, are kept occupied and working at full speed, they might well spend less time losing themselves in distress. I think Mrs. Ten chose to continue her career in figure skating mainly because she loves her son so much that she hates to see Denis's dreams come to nothing, and perhaps she is also working to oblige Denis who pleaded with her to fill in for him in case he wouldn't be able to work on those dreams. Of course, she wishes to contribute more to their country and reward the people who love Denis and have been kind to the family. On the one hand, as the foundation is set up for Denis, the position of Fund Director is the most important one, on which she should be proud to take; on the other hand, the job is a cross to bear. Yet with her son's unaccomplished mission in mind, probably she can barely concentrate on anything else at this stage. Now that she has set her mind on remaining in the field, we should by all means support her. I was propelled to proceed with the idea of supporting the foundation, when I imagined that whenever a project started or planned by Denis is completed, it will become a new consolation to the family. Most importantly, I guess instead of the cause of figure skating, his family's future had  been Denis's No.1 concern. Even though I believe the government and people of Kazakhstan are taking good care of the family, I still hope that we, as Denis's friends, make special contribution in helping the family lead a quality life and improve their standards of living as other people do. We all wish to see Denis's family happy, don't we? The family are independent and proud. I suppose as long as they can, they would prefer to survive on their own brains and hands. Hence, they would take comfort if they can make a living by working at the foundation and related organizations in which they can keep going and carry on Denis's legacy at the same time. Under these circumstances, it stands to reason to say that supporting the foundation is something worth our effort.



Why do I regard Denis Ten foundation run by Mrs. Oxana Ten and her colleagues as  credible and reliable? It's because I see that Denis's parents are determined to remember their son in this meaningful way, and Mrs. Ten and her colleagues are competent and knowledgeable enough to carry out the task.



Firstly, Mr. Yurii Ten and Mrs. Oxana Ten are sincere and courageous people. I trust their good will in helping prospective elite athletes, in improving and developing the sport, and in serving their own country. In addition, I trust their iron will to make things happen. Along with Denis, they built up their grit during those trying days. They have steeled themselves and are ready to face up to challenges and commit themselves to the projects initiated by Denis with their usual aplomb.



Secondly, Mrs. Ten had been working in the field of figure skating on a full-time basis for many years. She has formed her own style of management. For the foundation, she will make use of her experiences acquired and expertise developed throughout her career in figure skating. Few of us would doubt that she is in the top tier at least in the section of figure skating athlete management. I fully trust her capability to lead the foundation, not to mention that she is assisted by other professionals.



Thirdly, Denis's family all were the "winners". When we talk about Denis's medals and his popularity, we must awake to the contribution from his family. Specifically, his family, coaches, choreographers, music and song contributors, skate and costume desigers, equipment and ice rink providers, management team (in the late stages of his career) among others formed a bigger team. Their teamwork resulted in synergy that led to each success. Many journalists also made significant contributions by interviewing Denis and writing faithful articles about him and his family in languages rich with literary grace. Had the effort from any part of the team been missing, the team wouldn't have achieved the same. Therefore, while none of the names of Denis's rest family were written on any of the medal winners' lists, we should credit them and anyone else who played a key part in any of Denis's undertakings with producing the magnificent programmes. Their names ought not to be written off from our hearts and minds. As Denis has his flaws, his family have theirs, but we have reasons to believe it of them—the family are exceptional at least in the aspects of providing logistics, offering spiritual support, boosting morale and so forth. As stalwart champions of Denis's cause, they understand his philosophy and ambitions comprehensively and deeply, they know Denis would endorse the brand core values of the foundation chosen by them, they are perfectly qualified to use Denis's name as the brand of the foundation, and they are more suitable than anyone else to serve the foundation and launch fundraising appeals.



The ethos of the foundation reflects Mrs. Ten's personal values and distinctive views that are in accordance with Denis's wishes and visions. However, we all know that Denis's mother is not omnipotent. She and her staff can't carry the foundation through without our support. I'm not going to be modest here. I insist that in the past, we audience also contributed in helping Denis produce his best programmes and win medals. In one sense, Denis wished to please us; furthermore, he wished to inspire us. Without these motivations, there wouldn't have been much meaning for him to continue his career. In the same vein, without our support, the foundation named after him and led by his mother will go nowhere. What if the foundation won't work out? To say the least, even if in the end the projects of the foundation may result in nothing, Mrs. Ten and her staff won't be to blame, for the foundation itself is a big project of great complexity in nature; it involves a variety of parties, multiple factors and a lot of uncertainties. I'll believe the people operating the organization will have tried their best.



Life is short. Denis had gone too soon to complete what he was eager to do. Dear friends of Denis's, let's align ourselves with Denis and his family's cause by taking some of Denis's responsibilities over to bring about a brighter future for figure skating and Kazakhstan. Our joint effort will make the world a better place to live. To reach these aims, let's not to forget to help Denis Ten Foundation by providing our financial support to it when we can. I believe Denis will be able to rest in peace only if we substantially do something for his parents and for the foundation. I also hope Denis's parents feel fortunate for having our support, just as Denis felt when he was among us.



A Letter to Denis's Friends

June 13, 2020
13th June 2020



Dear friends of Denis's,



I'm wondering how you have been remembering him. With respect to me, when I think of him, I play his video clip She Won't Be Mine on Youtube. I do it fairly often. Sometimes, I watch his performance and listen to his singing attentively. Sometimes, I listen to the song while I'm excising or doing house chores. Sometimes, I watch the clip that is playing without sound; this way, I'll be in a less emotional state of mind. More often than not, I simply look at the screen now and then, while the clip is playing silently. Once in a while I put the clip on with its sound muted before I start doing meditation, and then I end my meditation and open my eyes at around the point the play is about to finish. Whenever I play the clip this way, I feel as if I'm ringing Denis, an old friend of mine, to tell him I miss him. Out of respect for the people who have been involved in all aspects of the video-making and video-maintaining, I play the whole clip each time. Besides, instead of going straight onto the web page, I made it a ritual to type the title of the song in the search bar and then search for the clip every time I play it.



I know it for sure that some of you are also playing the clip, and I note that some probably play it as a matter of routine, doing it on a daily basis, at weekends or with some other regularity. I assume many of us who act in kind of a similar manner don't know each other. Whatever the case is, it's comforting to see that I'm not alone. And yet I was hoping more of you would join us, because I believe if we are in step, with our concerted effort that is embeded in the video view count, we can send Denis's family, his parents in particular, a strong message, letting them know we are still having Denis in mind, and thus to give them a lift when they need our spiritual support. I wasn't expecting that a high number of views would show up at any time, nevertheless, it's the sense of immediacy and the sense of warmth that we convey in our collaberation that really matters. The senses might be of significance to the family. As long as a few of us do it continually, we will be helpful. We can also give our regards to the family through the action. In addition, I hope, by means of the message, we pay tribute to Denis's parents. Frankly, I'm in awe of this great couple, who brought Denis into the world, and raised him with incredible effort. Many of us might not be aware that along with his teachers, coaches and choreographers, Denis's parents brought out the best on him, and that Mr. and Mrs. Ten had been in the making of Denis Ten, an outstanding human being, in many ways. To name but a few:



    They piqued Denis's curiosity and inspired him to explore in the world of art and sport so as to gain insight. They encouraged him to develop his own vision and build his ambition. They let him be himself and allowed him time to find his feet as a figure skater. As a result, Denis's dazzling artistry, which is imcomparable in a way, together with his passion for life and the sport, which was manifested in his performances, became his permanent signature.



    They fuelled Denis's determination. They taught him to be dedicated and persevering by being role models. They managed to give him the best possible start, and their endeavours enabled him to receive the best possible education and training all the way. Following the examples set by his parents, Denis was becoming resolute day by day. To my mind, among all of Denis's defining character traits, the fighting spirit demonstrated in his striving for life and career was the most inpiring one.



    They live their values of responsibility, patriotism and bravery, and imparted the values to Denis. Facing challenges, at first, they guided him through the hardships, and following that, they had been along with him, watching over every one of his steps, while he had been staggering up the ridge leading to his unprecedented achievements, for figure skating, for their country, as well as for our society.



     They also cultivated Denis's respectful and friendly mindset, otherwise, there wouldn't have been "Our Denis", who was pleased and felt he was honoured when he found that his works had a magical healing power upon us. It's proved that Denis could tell stories by moving across the ice in a unique way and so was able to enthral us, making us smile, laugh or cry, and he did bring much joy to our life, soothe our sorrows and reinvigorate us. However, he won our hearts not only because he worked hard and was charmingly gifted at expressing what we could feel but weren't capable of telling, but also because, as a person, he was so humble and sincere that it makes us feel he was one of us. We could effortlessly identify with him and then learn from his life experiences. I suppose he also learned from his fans, just as he learned from other atheletes so long as there was an opportunity. As far as I'm concerned, like many of you, I'm merely a spectator who never met Denis, and he didn't even known of me, but due to our shared values in life, shared taste in art, as well as his affability, I won't hesitate to call him a true friend of mine. Actually, I was wholeheartedly happy for him when I heard that, as an artist, he eventually learned to appreciate his own performances, and started to love himself more. In my eyes, he had been too hard on himself.



That's it. We can hardly imagine what if Denis hadn't had his parents behind him throughout those years of ups and downs. What's more, it's really touching that the couple have never given up devoting themselves to their son's beloved cause of figure skating which in essence probably has become the family's mutual cause since Denis turned professional. It's very likely that after years of self-study beside the rink, Mrs. Ten has become an expert in the field in her own right by now. After the tragedy, before long, while still in excruciating pain, they picked up the pieces and started to rebuilt their life. It must be that they know full well they have no choice, since escaping from harsh realities of life is not in keeping with the family's character. From the bottom of my heart, I admire them. I regard them as hidden heros, considering what they have gone through. Indeed, they deserve to be held in high esteme by all of us. In the meantime, we can't forget that Denis impacted upon us in a positive way. Some of his sparkling programs always brightened the day whenever we watched them; to some extent we can say he was one of those who made our life more wonderful and less miserable. As it happens, he is still influencing us; specifically, his spirit is still inspiring us to build our resilience and confidence to fight for a better tomorrow. More importantly, he was always ready to share his philosophy of life with us without reservation. In a sense, we are in his debt. In return, we should do something for him through helping his parents. We should attend to his parents' concerns and needs. Although we can't look after them in their daily life, we can at least do something else.



However, even if you will upvote my suggestion of playing the video clip, I suspect that for many of you, putting my idea into your action is actually a task fraught with difficulty, because it could still be an ordeal for you to even just look at Denis's photos, let alone to watch his skating and listen to his voice. You probably have already found that try as you might, your mind couldn't help sheering away from the topic about him, and all that remains for you to do is just to quietly bear him in mind. On this account, I think anyone having a traumatized heart because of his fate will more or less understand you and respect your choice.



In case you have already put your grief behind you, then you may be able to watch the clip from now on. To play it, you can go to Youtube and find the the clip She Won't Be Mine on the BossT Channel. Additionally, you can play the video clips of Denis's other performances, especially those on the channel Dimple Dimple and the channel Denis Ten Forever, as if the competitions and the shows are going on. Alternatively, you can choose to only play those clips other than the one I singled out, lest you should get bored with watching the same clip again and again. It will be a good thing if you choose to watch the ones with cheerful tunes, for in which case, during your watching, you may have less chance to experience many sad moments which could be too harsh for you to bear. If you feel it's a bit hard for you to watch the clip(s) frequently, or if you are busy, you might just as well do the job only at weekends or on the days you happen on Denis's name or his images in your thoughts. Regarding the channels, you can subscribe any of them if you need to or want to. More importantly, no matter which video(s) you are going to play, please be sure not to skip any advertisements that you see, regardless they are pre-stream ones or post-stream ones. Try to watch the whole video ads or interact with them. Having viewed Youtube channel monetization policies, I conclude that when we do our best, the advertiser would pay maximally, and after that, there is more chance that Youtube would recommend the clips to more prospective viewers. Also importantly, if we try hard, there is more chance that the current owners or managers of the BossT Channel and other channels relating to Denis could profit from our clicks; only by this means, can we contribute a little bit financially via YouTube to make Denis's vision of figure skating a reality, either directly or indirectly. As a matter of fact, it's not all about the income in our side, yet it's about letting Youtube make money; and more, in my opinion, viewing the video ads is also a way to show our appreciation towards Youtube, a social media platform that has been helping Denis introduce his works to a broad audience and is helping us out in keeping his legacy alive. I would also like to appreciate the advertisers who would like to advertise on those channels that are of concern to us all. On the other hand, the amount of money generated this way could be next to nothing, but it's the thought that counts. In respect of money, of course, if you are able and willing to donate, please remember to enter the name of Denis Ten Foundation onto your charity list, in which case you will play a more active role in Denis's cause. I surmise the foundation is one of the main concerns of Mr. and Mrs. Ten.



Furthermore, you can read Denis's biography and watch the feature film based on his script and directed by Timur Bekmambetov when they come out. Needless to say, up to the present, you can still view his profiles on some of his scial media accounts. Also, for now, you can watch the life and career documentaries of him, and read or listen to the interviews with this legend or about him online before they dissappear. If you want to and if it's legal, you can save the articles, videos and sound bites for the future. I bet you will learn a lot from those accounts like I do. As well, you can recommend all of the materials relating to Denis to whoever might be interested in him. Moreover, if you are available, you may want to participate or attend the activities concerning him, visit the exhibitions about him, or view his photographic works on display. You can visit his birthplace and memorial from time to time, or for just once, depending on where you are living. If I myself go to visit his memorial, I will bring him a flamingo plushy, my chosen plushy, and let it sit down at the foot of his statue for a while, for flamingo is graceful, elegant, and energetic, as was Denis, and even its temperament bears a similarity to Denis's. This bird of character always reminds me of him. I had imagined: Once I have gotten an opportunity to be present at Denis's live performances, for the first of his appearances in the ice rink in front of me, I will definitely toss a flamingo plushy onto the ice.



As for those who wish to actively do something for Denis one way or the other, I won't be surprised if you have better ideas. To you, I simply want to say, "Just do it!" I myself was taught an important lesson for my delay. I had been looking forward to watching Denis performing live, even if it would be for only once. I thought about attending his last show. I should have just seized the opportunity, snapping up a ticket online and got going on time, but I didn't. Had I been more sensible to human life, I could have made it to the show, and I would feel better off now. If only I had let him confidently know that he had one more friend who would like to travel overseas to see him, his figure skating friends, his country and the people on the land. In fact, somehow, I couldn't help regretting my miss immediately the show was over, and started to search for the videos of the show online since the second day after the show; meanwhile, I made up my mind: Next time, I will go given half the chance, but... For this reason, I fully understand Yulia Lipnitskaya's feeling occurred when she realized that she had missed out on "Denis and Friends" ice shows forever (I read it somewhere but can't find the report again). If I remember it correctly, Yulia went on saying something, like: If you really want to do something, do it soon. I have to say, her words that vested with emotion made the advice based on common sense immensely relatable. Well said, Yulia.



It's high time that we rewarded Denis and his parents. If we do something as soon as possible, then the day that some of Denis's ambitions are fulfilled may come sooner, and at the same time, his parents will receive our regards as early as possible and receive our tributes as many times as possible. I sincerely appreciate those who have been doing or have done meaningful things for Denis during the past two years. When all is said, let's take action together right now, shall we?



In the end, I hope and pray that with the combined effort from all who care deeply for Denis, his dreams become true. I especially hope Denis's home country of Kazakhstan keeps on being prosperous and hosts a Winter Olympic Games in the not too distant future. Surely, I also hope every one of us finds each one's best way to remember Denis while fulfilling one's own life. Last but not the least, on this special day, I would like someone to convey some of my thoughts and regards to Mr. and Mrs. Ten. I want to say to them, "We love Denis dearly. Thanks to you, we know him. It's fortunate that we are contemporaries of your whole family. I'm grateful to you for all you have done for Denis and for the world. I wish you good health and hapiness in life. We are with you and will be with you, as always."



Thanks for reading.



Denis Ten Forever.



Best wishes,



One of You



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