The 2016 UNMC Skate-a-thon for Parkinson’s will be held Jan. 22 and 23 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center Ice Rink. The event, which runs from noon Jan. 22 to noon Jan 23, is open to the public.
Schedule of events
Jan. 22
- Noon: Skating and countdown begins
- 1 to 2 p.m.: Lunchtime Laps
- 3 p.m.: Afterschool snack
- 4:30 p.m.: Official opening
- 6 and 7 p.m.: Chuck a Puck contest
- 8 p.m.: Dance Off on Ice (all included)
- 10 p.m.: Pizza and Pajama Skate
- Midnight: Halfway through photo and countdown check in
Jan. 23
For the third straight year, the skate-a-thon will be held in memory of its founder, Colleen Wuebben, a Parkinson’s sufferer who died in 2013 at the age of 60. Colleen’s husband, Ted, and their five children have continued the tradition of the skate-a-thon since Colleen’s death.
Colleen was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2005 at the age of 52. Three years later, the Wuebbens came up with the idea for the skate-a-thon. For the first three years, the Wuebbens flooded their back yard and held the event at their home.
In 2011, as a way to expand the event to more people, the Wuebbens moved the skate-a-thon to the UNMC Ice Rink.
Proceeds go toward clinical and basic science Parkinson’s research at UNMC and the Parkinson’s Health Development Program, a non-profit, local program that offers affordable exercises and activities to improve quality of life for persons with Parkinson’s.
The opening ceremony will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 22. Closing ceremonies will begin at 11 a.m. on Jan. 23. For the third time, Jeremy Maskel, anchor/reporter for NewsWatch Seven (KETV) will emcee the opening ceremony. Montez, on-air radio personality for KISS-FM (96.1), will emcee the closing ceremony for the second straight year.
The skate-a-thon will be live streamed at this link.
The previous five skate-a-thons at UNMC netted more than $140,000. Last year’s event drew a record 540 skaters.
This year, businesses around Omaha have been sent a challenge to participate in the skate-a-thon.
“We want to grow this great event,” Ted Wuebben said. “We know there are many more people who would be interested in participating — we just need to figure out how to reach them. One way we think we can accomplish this is by getting more corporate involvement.”
Wuebben said at least three skaters are planning to skate all 24 hours this year, and he anticipates that number will grow.
The cost to participate in the skate-a-thon is $10. The registration fee includes skate rental and ice access. People can skate as long as they wish.
Skaters are encouraged to raise additional money by getting friends and family to donate, Wuebben said, but this is not required. He said anybody can make a donation — they don’t have to skate.
Skaters and non-skaters can register online or make a pledge here. Walk-in registration also will be available at the event.
The UNMC Ice Rink is located east of 42nd Street, about halfway between Dewey Avenue and Emile Street. A heated tent will allow skaters and spectators a place to stay warm. There also will be hot drinks, food and snacks. Guest emcees will keep the event moving, as skaters groove to continual music.