The Hockey Marathon for the Kids is a fundraising event that has been ongoing for 262 hours at the Chestermere Recreation Centre. Players are participating in four-hour shifts, with the goal of raising money and awareness for pediatric cancer. The event started in 2012 with 40 men attempting to break the Guinness Book of World Records for the most consecutive hours of playing ice hockey, while raising funds for the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. The game has now grown, with families and kids who are fighting cancer coming to cheer on the players who are wearing a patient’s name on their jerseys.
The players in the 2024 Hockey Marathon for the Kids are aiming to beat their own world record by playing 262 consecutive hours, which is approximately 11-and-a-half days. The event is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the athletes who are participating in the marathon for the fourth time. Kyle Fagnan, one of the players, expressed that they are pushing through the physical challenges because it is all for the kids. The impact of the funds raised can significantly reduce the duration of treatments for pediatric cancer patients, making a big difference in their lives.
Melanie Sortland from the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation expressed admiration and awe for the players who are continuously skating and sleeping in an effort to raise money for the cause. She highlighted the special significance of players wearing a patient’s name on their jerseys, as it symbolizes the personal connection they have with the children fighting cancer. The event has garnered community support, with families and individuals coming together to show their support and cheer on the players as they strive to make a difference through their dedication.
The Hockey Marathon for the Kids is a collaborative effort to fundraise for the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, with all proceeds from the event going towards supporting pediatric cancer patients. The event has raised a substantial amount of money as of Tuesday, with $547,274 being donated towards the cause. The support and generosity of the community have been instrumental in the success of the fundraiser, demonstrating the power of coming together for a common purpose and making a positive impact on the lives of children fighting cancer.
The players in the marathon are motivated by the stories of the children they are supporting, with the realization of the impact their fundraising efforts can have on reducing the duration of cancer treatments. The physical challenges of playing for 262 consecutive hours are met with determination and optimism, as the players focus on the greater cause at hand. The event serves as a reminder of the resilience and compassion of individuals who are willing to push themselves to make a difference in the lives of others, particularly those who are facing the challenges of pediatric cancer.
