Fredericton Welcomes Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay Next October

Fredericton (February 1, 2011) – Twenty-five years after Rick Hansen travelled across the country as part of his Man In Motion World Tour, his message of hope and inspiration returns to Fredericton in October 2011 with the Rick Hansen Twenty-fifth Anniversary Relay. Fredericton will be among 600 communities across the country that will welcome the Relay, a nine-month journey that will move east to west, beginning in Cape Spear, NL, August 24, 2011 and concluding in Vancouver BC on May 22, 2012.

“We are honoured to have Fredericton a part of the Twenty-fifth Anniversary Relay” said Rick Hansen, President and CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation. “I received so much encouragement and support when I wheeled through Fredericton 25 years ago, it’s truly inspiring to encourage a new generation to pursue their dreams.”

In 1985, Rick Hansen pushed his wheelchair out of Vancouver, BC and set out on a journey that would make history. His legendary Man In Motion World Tour spanned more than 40,000 km through 34 countries; took more than two years to complete; and raised more than $26 million for spinal cord injury. Rick’s incredible achievement became a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of teamwork. His courage and determination inspired us to believe in the possibility of a fully accessible and inclusive society, and a cure for spinal cord injury.

The Relay will re-trace the Canadian segment of the original Man in Motion journey, visiting every province and territory and traveling 12,000 kilometres. The Relay will be made up of 7,000 participants, Canadians who have made a difference, no matter how large or small, in the lives of others and who motivate us all to help make our communities and the world a better place. While Rick will be present at a number of cities and stops along the Relay, it will be these 7,000 participants who will complete this cross-Canada tour and represent his spirit and drive.