Office of the Premier
More than 25 years ago, Rick Hansen set out on the Man In Motion World Tour to make a difference in the lives of people with spinal cord injuries. Today, Hansen was in the provincial capital to celebrate the anniversary of his inspiring journey around the world.
Photos of the 25th Anniversary (flickr.com)
"As a shining example of the power of the human spirit, Rick Hansen has touched the lives of millions across Canada and around the world," said Premier Clark. "His Man In Motion Tour showed us that anything is possible and, with the support of the Rick Hansen Foundation and other valued partners, B.C. has become the best place in the country for people with disabilities to lead healthy, active lives."
The event was part of the 25th Anniversary Relay, which has been making its way across Canada in celebration of Difference Makers from coast to coast. The relay entered B.C. on March 19 and is passing through 127 communities before concluding in downtown Vancouver on May 22.
Hansen - one of Canada's most decorated Paralympic athletes and an internationally known ambassador for spinal-cord research - recognized MLAs as Difference Makers in a ceremony at the legislature, acknowledging them for their commitment to creating a healthier and more inclusive British Columbia.
"For 25 years, the Province of B.C. has been a partner with me on this journey and together, we are making fundamental progress towards a cure for spinal cord injury and building accessible and inclusive communities. The 25th anniversary is about honouring those who put service above self, recognizing local champions, and moving from one man in motion to many. It's an honour to recognize the spirit of all British Columbians through the sharing of the Rick Hansen commemorative medal with community leaders who represent all parts of our great province," said Hansen.
In March 1985, Hansen set off from Vancouver to wheel 40,000 kilometres through 34 countries on the Man In Motion World Tour to prove the potential of people with disabilities. His 26-month journey inspired an entire nation to believe anything is possible and moved thousands to make a difference. Since 1988, his Rick Hansen Foundation has leveraged the $26 million raised during the Tour into $252 million in investments toward spinal-cord research, accessibility projects and quality-of-life initiatives.
Learn More:
To learn more about the Rick Hansen Foundation, go to http://www.rickhansen.com/
Media Contacts:
Sara MacIntyre
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
250 580-7701
Jeff Rud
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 208-4028
Erin Labbé
Manager, Media Relations & Communications
Rick Hansen Foundation
778 229-7532
