The past: 25 years of progress
Twenty-five years ago Rick Hansen had a dream - to make the
world more accessible and inclusive and to find a cure for spinal
cord injury (SCI). Inspired by a deep-seated belief that anything
is possible, Rick's dream took shape in the form of the Man In
Motion World Tour (MIMWT). For 26 months he and his team wheeled
over 40,000 kilometres through 34 countries, raising awareness of
the potential of people with disabilities. The completion of this
epic Tour was a testament to willpower, physical prowess and the
ability to lead a seemingly impossible campaign. It was the
beginning of a lifelong and selfless journey to make a positive
difference in the lives of others.
Through the Foundation that bears his name, more than $250
million has been raised to accelerate progress towards a cure for
SCI, and a more accessible and inclusive world.
The Present: One Inspires Many
This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the MIMWT. Moving from
one Man In Motion to Many In Motion, it is a global invitation to
join Rick in his journey towards a cure and a more inclusive
society as he inspires a new generation to be difference makers -
to dream, to take action, to continue to change the world.
To commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Man In Motion
World Tour, international and national events and activities are
taking place.
- The International Program is a global call to
action to inspire further progress through securing international
partnerships and to recognize outstanding achievements in the areas
of finding a cure for spinal cord injuries and creating accessible
communities. Events are taking place from winter 2010 through
spring 2011, reaching out to Jordan, Israel, Australia, China and
the United States - announcing collaborative partnerships and
recognizing difference makers in those countries.
- The Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay will
re-trace the Canadian segment of the original Man In Motion World
Tour. Starting in Newfoundland and travelling westward to British
Columbia, the nine-month relay will cover 12,000 kilometres, and
visit over 600 communities from coast to coast - in every province
and territory. With over 7,000 participants, this exciting and
inspiring journey will celebrate and showcase Canadians who are the
pride of their communities, recognizing everyday heroes, including
youth, who are making a difference in the lives of others and who
motivate us all to better our country and our world.
- The Rick Hansen Difference Maker Awards
recognize individuals who have made a significant impact in the
area of accessibility, researchers who have advanced discoveries
related to SCI research, community leaders and youth who have put
"service above self" to make an extraordinary difference in the
lives of others.
-
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- Shaping the next generation of SCI research, Interdependence 2012 is
a three-day international conference and exposition where more
than 40 healthcare and research facilities from around the global
will showcase their work through speaker presentations, targeted
workshops and product exhibits. Join a global conversation on how
to advance research and implement new best practices at this unique
event. May 15-17, 2012, at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
- As the spectacular finale of the 25th Anniversary of the
Man In Motion World Tour,
Rick Hansen Celebration 25 will recognize difference
makers and everyday heroes while inspiring a new generation to
challenge what is and to envision what can be. This incredible
evening features performances by award-winning Canadian artists,
including David Foster, Sarah McLachlan, Jann Arden, Sean Jones,
Marianas Trench, The Canadian Tenors, Johnny Reid, One More Girl,
Don Alder and spoken-word poet Shane Koyczan. David Suzuki, Craig
Keilburger and Paralympian Lauren Woolstencroft will join the
celebration.
The Future: Champion for Social Change
Twenty-five years of work has resulted in many accomplishments.
Rick Hansen has become a catalyst for unprecedented change in
society's attitudes, bringing leadership and relentless focus to
improving the quality of life of people with SCI and building an
accessible world.
While extraordinary progress has been made in the last 25 years,
Rick continues to look to the future to engage a global community
of difference makers who will join Rick in accelerating progress
toward a more healthy and inclusive world.