The ninth annual UNMC Skate-a-thon for Parkinson’s will be held Jan. 25 and 26 at the UNMC Ice Rink. The event, which runs from 2 p.m. Jan. 25 to 2 p.m. Jan 26, is open to the public.
Schedule of events
Jan. 25
- 2 p.m. – Skating and countdown begins
- 3 p.m. – After school snack
- 4:30 p.m. – Official opening ceremony
- 6 and 7 p.m. – Chuck-a-Puck Contest ($1 chances to try to throw a foam puck into a bucket in the center of the ice rink; prizes will be awarded)
- 8 p.m. – Dance party on ice (all included)
- 9 p.m. – One last time to Chuck-a-Puck
- 10 p.m. – Pizza and pajama skate
- Midnight Munchies – Treat provided for all
Jan. 26
- 1 a.m. – Shiver Skate
- 2 a.m. – Halfway there photo!
- 3 to 6:30 a.m. – Open skating
- 6:30 a.m. – Sunrise yoga
- 8 a.m. – Time to make the donuts
- 9 a.m. – Dance party continues
- 10 a.m. – Country Kickers
- 11 a.m. – Lunchtime laps
- Noon – Hockey player special
- 1 p.m. – Final hour festivities
For the sixth 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 to Parkinson’s Nebraska, a 501(c)3 dedicated charitable organization committed to helping people in Nebraska and the surrounding areas who are affected by Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s Nebraska was founded in 2005 by Colleen Wuebben when she was first diagnosed.
The opening ceremony will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 25. Closing ceremonies will begin at 1 p.m. on Jan. 26. Montez and Shari, the weekday morning show hosts for KGOR-FM (99.9) from 5:30 to 10 a.m., will emcee both and opening and closing ceremonies. Montez is a board member for Parkinson’s Nebraska.
The eight previous skate-a-thons at UNMC have netted more than $190,000 in proceeds. More than 600 skaters have participated in each of the last two skate-a-thons.
Wuebben said he anticipates that several skaters will once again attempt to skate all 24 hours this year.
Volunteers are needed for the event. If you wish to volunteer, register here.
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. Emcees will keep the event moving, as skaters groove to non-stop music.
The skate-a-thon will be live streamed at this link.
How to participate/make a donation
The cost to participate in the skate-a-thon is $15. The registration fee includes skate rental and ice access. People can skate as long as they wish. Walk-in registration also will be available at the event.
Skaters are encouraged to raise additional money by getting friends and family to donate, Ted Wuebben said, but this is not required. He said anybody can make a donation, and they don’t have to skate.
Skaters and non-skaters can register or make a pledge to Parkinson’s Nebraska via their website, Eventbrite or on Facebook. To make a donation to the University of Nebraska Foundation to go toward Parkinson’s research at UNMC, click here.
Parkinson’s Nebraska offers affordable exercises and activities as well as educational programs and other resources designed to improve the quality of life for persons with Parkinson’s.
“We are really excited with what is happening at Parkinson’s Nebraska,” said Ted Wuebben, chairman of the organization’s 15-member board of directors. “We have more resources than ever before and think we are in a position to truly make a difference in our community.”
Thanks in large part to proceeds raised at the previous skate-a-thons, Wuebben said Parkinson’s Nebraska has been able to expand its services across Nebraska. He said Kearney, Grand Island and Lincoln now are offering special exercise classes geared to people with Parkinson’s.
Wuebben said Parkinson’s Nebraska is hoping to grow the skate-a-thon by challenging businesses around Omaha to participate in the event.
“We know many other people would support the skate-a-thon, but they aren’t even aware of it,” he said. “By getting more corporations involved and reaching out to families impacted by Parkinson’s, we think the sky is the limit for this event.”
Any idea what time "Thriller" will take place this year?