RICK HANSEN

Man in Motion

Rick Hansen is a man who epitomizes the term “unlimited potential”. In the summer of 1973, he was a free-spirited, athletic youngster whose life changed dramatically when he was thrown from the back of a pickup truck. Although he could no longer walk, Hansen could dream... and he set his sights on becoming a world-class athlete, subsequently winning 19 international wheelchair marathons and competing for Canada in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

But he had an even bigger dream – to wheel the circumference of the earth. In the spring of 1985, he embarked on what became a 40,000-km journey. Two years, two months and two days later, Hansen and his team returned to Vancouver having raised more than $26 million for a Man in Motion Legacy Trust Fund, which to date has impacted the field of spinal cord injury by more than $60 million. In recognition of his accomplishments and his continuing contribution to human welfare and the common good, Hansen has received some of Canada’s highest honours, including the Order of Canada, as well as several honorary degrees.

As a positive role model dedicated to improving the world around him, Rick has a remarkable ability to engage and motivate youth. He regularly shares his message of hope, inspiration and the importance of making a positive difference in the lives of others with young people across Canada. Rick is hosting a 17-part series for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics entitled The Difference Makers. The series will celebrate all of the heroes that have made a difference in the lives of Canadian Olympians and Paralympians.

Today, Rick is still a Man In Motion. As President and CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation, Rick remains committed to making communities more accessible and inclusive for people with a spinal cord injury, and advancing spinal cord research. Through Rick’s leadership, the Foundation has generated over $200 million for spinal cord injury related programs and initiatives.

Rick lives in Richmond BC with his wife, Amanda, and their three daughters Emma, Alana and Rebecca. He has a passion for the outdoors and volunteers his time to support fish conservation. As Chair of both the Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society and the Pacific Salmon Endowment Fund, Rick is a strong voice for helping to restore and protect sturgeon and salmon populations.

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