Hockey Marathoners within 48 hours of World Record!

CALGARY, May 14, 2012 /CNW/ - What started as an incredibly lofty goal set by a group of big-hearted guys is now within reach and the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation is hoping Calgarians will find it in their hearts to help both Team Hope and Team Cure feel like winners.

Forty players involved in the Hockey Marathon for Kids have less than 48 hours to go to successfully set a new Guinness World Record for the Longest Hockey Game ever played. Having dropped the puck on May 6, they are understandably exhausted - feeling the effects of playing for eight days straight. They need to keep going until Wednesday at 6pm to set a new world record.

"We are very proud of them and honestly can't believe how they can still be standing, let alone skating!" says Saifa Koonar, President and CEO of the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation. "We're asking Calgarians to rally around them in their final push to Wednesday. We hope people will drive out to the Chestermere Recreational Centre to root them on and help them reach their fundraising goal of 1.5 million dollars. Their energy and spirits are visibly lifted with every cheering fan and every donation."

The players have raised eight hundred thousand dollars to date. All proceeds from their event will support the most critically-ill patients at the Alberta Children's Hospital including children who are battling cancer and those requiring care from the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).  The proceeds will specifically support pediatric cancer research and life-saving programs and technology in PICU.

For more information about the marathon game or how to donate, please visit hockeymarathon.com

The Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation raises funds for excellence in child health, research and family centred care. Through the generosity of donors, the Foundation provides funding for innovative programs, state-of-the-art equipment, advanced medical training and internationally-recognized pediatric research. www.childrenshospital.ab.ca

Liz Ballendine, Director of Development, Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation
403 955 8828  [email protected]

Lesley Plumley, Event Coordinator/Media Contact, Hockey Marathon Committee
403 969 7572  [email protected]