McNeil wraps up marathon skate for Alzheimer’s at Meewasin rink

Over 1,160 minutes later, it’s time for Steve McNeil to get some much needed rest.

McNeil was out skating on the Cameco Meewasin rink in downtown Saskatoon for 19 hours and 26 minutes to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s.

The recreational hockey official does this in honour of his mother, who was born in 1926 and battled Alzheimer’s for nearly 20 years before passing away in February 2013.

McNeil’s Saskatoon skate was the 19th one he has completed over his eight years of fundraising and he said it was his best one to date.

“I could have sat down for months and tried to plan one of these skates from beginning to end, and it wouldn’t have went any better than (Saskatoon). Everything from weather conditions, (to) ice conditions, (to) the city itself,” he said.

“Saskatoon should be proud, this is the best skate I’ve ever done.”

And… @1926skate has done it! His 19th full 19 hour and 26 minute skate is now complete at the Cameco @Meewasin rink. #yxe pic.twitter.com/VitZFkCHoQ

— brady lang (@BradyLangSK) January 23, 2020

McNeil said gravity becomes his enemy during the marathon skates, especially when he needs to stop moving to talk to people about his initiative.

After everything was finished, McNeil presented his custom sweater to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan. It was decked out in signatures from everyone who came out to meet with McNeil and participate in the initiative.

The back of the sweater will be signed by the Saskatoon Blades before being auctioned off with the proceeds heading to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan.

All the proceeds raised from his Saskatoon skate will stay in the province.

To donate to McNeil’s cause, head to his website.