Rick Hansen - A Canadian Icon
At the age of fifteen, Rick Hansen was left a paraplegic following a car accident. But he quickly rose to the challenges of his new reality and pursued his dream of becoming a world-class athlete.
In 1983, Hansen shared athlete of the year honours with Wayne Gretzky. In 1984, he competed in the first wheelchair exhibition events at the Los Angeles Olympics.
In the spring of 1985, Hansen, inspired by his friend Terry Fox, set out on a trip around the world in his wheelchair. His "Man in Motion" tour lasted for 792 days, averaging 8 hours a day. He crossed mountains, deserts, snow, wind and rain. His journey took him through 34 countries, including the United States, China, the USSR, Australia, and finally Canada. He went clear around the world raising funds and hope.
Rick rolled home to British Columbia in May of 1987, having raised 20 million dollars for spinal cord research and wheelchair sports. His Man in Motion Foundation continues to raise millions for spinal cord injury research and awareness.
Rick Hansen was made a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1987.
| 