Forest native Tyler McGregor has embarked on a cross-Canada journey to raise money for the Terry Fox Foundation in support of cancer research.
As part of the Sledge Skate of Hope, McGregor plans to ride 42 km in each of the country's ten provinces over the next month.
McGregor's fundraising goal is $100,000 after bringing in over $31,000 during his 25 kilometre skate held in Collingwood in 2021.
"The difference with that event in 2021 is that it was mid-pandemic so we couldn't really have anyone else other than me at the actual event," said McGregor. "That's kind of the key difference I'm looking forward to with this year's cross-country event is just to engage with each community and have different organizations involved on the day of and just create a community feel, similar to what Terry Fox did as he worked his way across the country."
McGregor said he completed the first phase of this year's ride on an outdoor skating trail in Halifax on Tuesday.
"My body is pretty sore today for sure," he said. "From that experience, I just kind of gained an even deeper respect for what Terry Fox was able to do 40 some odd years ago, running a marathon day after day. So, my body is sore right now. I can only imagine what he was going through."
McGregor's next skate will be in Calgary, Alberta on Saturday, January 21, and the full schedule can be found below.
He recently captained Canada's national sledge hockey team to a silver medal at the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games.
The North Lambton Secondary graduate made his national team debut at age 18 at the 2012 World Sledge Hockey Challenge in Calgary. He was also named captain of Canada’s National Para Hockey Team in 2019.
Those interested in donating and following along with the ride can visit www.sledgeskateofhope.com or McGregor's Instagram page @TylerMcGregor8.
---
1. Emera Oval – Halifax, Nova Scotia | Tuesday, January 3, 2023
2. Bowness Park – Calgary, Alberta | Saturday, January 21, 2023
3. Windemere Loop – Invermere, British Columbia | Monday, January 23, 2023
4. Rideau Canal – Ottawa, Ontario | Saturday, January 28, 2023
5. Patinage en Foret – Lac-des-Loups, Québec | Monday, January 30, 2023
6. Carleton Park - Fredericton, New Brunswick | Wednesday, February 1, 2023
7. Humber River – Deer Lake, Newfoundland | Friday, February 3, 2023
8. Legends Park – Summerside, Prince Edward Island | TBD
9. Echo Valley Provincial Park – Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan | Thursday, February 9, 2023
10. Nestaweya River at The Forks – Winnipeg, Manitoba | Saturday, February 11, 2023
