One room, five guys, 48 hours and a full 82-game NHL season. This marathon session of EA Sports’ NHL 10 video game is not just a good time, it supports a good cause too.

Jo Villaverde, a University of Winnipeg student and producer/host of CKUW’s “The Ultra Mega Sports Show,” came up with the idea as a fundraiser for KidSport, an organization that helps families overcome financial barriers so their children can play sports.

The team has a fundraising goal of $1,000 and has already raised about $250.

Provincial KidSport manager Lesley Camaso commends the students for taking the initiative to raise funds for the organization.

“KidSport is really in demand right now because there are so many families that are needing funding for their children’s sports,” she said, adding that all of the money raised goes directly to the families.

Villaverde said KidSport was the obvious choice when it came to selecting a charity. He said his involvement in sports has helped him with his role on the radio show and as executive director of reSports, an interactive sports writing website.

“I just know for a fact without playing sports as a kid I would not be where I am today,” he said.

The marathon, which will take place Nov. 7 and 8, will be streamed on a live webcam feed on the reSports website. Viewers of the event will also be able to interact through chat with the marathoners.

The team plans to play as the Phoenix Coyotes dressed in Winnipeg Jets uniforms.

“They used to be the Jets, and Winnipeggers want them to be the Jets,” said Brad Pennington, Villaverde’s co-host and one of the five participants making up the NHL 10 team. “We miss them.”

Pennington expects viewers will be entertained.

“It’s going to be fun – and tiring. We’re expecting to see some zombies at the end,” he said.

Although 48 hours of straight video gaming promises to be exhausting, Villaverde is up for the challenge.

“I play about five games a day,” he said. “I am up for anything.”

Villaverde hopes that the marathon will be a springboard for other charity events and to eventually turn reSports into a non-profit organization.

To donate money toward the event and to watch it live, visit www.sports.retouchmedia.com.

Published in Volume 64, Number 10 of The Uniter (November 5, 2009)