Rick Hansen Man in Motion: 25th Anniversary Relay
byIt was on this day in 1985 that BC’s own Rick Hansen set off in his wheelchair to circumnavigate the globe to raise awareness of the potential of people with disabilities (in particular spinal cord injuries “SCI”). After 34 countries, four continents, and 40,000km in two years, the “Man in Motion” tour raised $26 million for Rick’s cause.
This year the Rick Hansen Foundation is organizing an anniversary tour across Canada that will begin in Newfoundland on August 24th, 2011 and finish in Vancouver on May 22nd, 2012. The “25th Anniversary Relay” will recreate Rick’s original Canadian route, travelling 12,000kms and visiting over 600 communities. The foundation is also encouraging other participants to join the relay and applications will begin online this spring.
All funds raised will go to the Rick Hansen Foundation: “Among the Foundation’s accomplishments is the creation of the Rick Hansen Institute. It began as a Foundation project and has grown in both size and success over the years. Today this independent Institute is a Canada-wide collaboration dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for people who live with SCI and related-disabilities. The Foundation will continue to provide leadership and assistance to the Institute in order to attain financial sustainability and expand its programs internationally.”
Follow the Rick Hansen Foundation on Facebook, YouTube, Flickr and Twitter for updates about the Man in Motion tour and participation in the 25th Anniversary Relay.
