The Unstoppable Drive of Rick Hansen

Rick Hansen is a Canadian athlete, activist, and philanthropist for people with disabilities. Born on August 26, 1957, in Port Alberni, British Columbia, his life took a dramatic turn at the age of 15 when he was involved in a car crash, resulting in a spinal cord injury and paralysis from the waist down.

Despite this life-changing event, Hansen turned his focus towards athletic endeavors, particularly in wheelchair sports. He became the first student with a physical disability to graduate in physical education from the University of British Columbia. Hansen’s achievements in sports include winning national championships in wheelchair volleyball and wheelchair basketball.

However, Hansen is best known for his “Man in Motion World Tour.” Inspired by his friend and fellow paraplegic athlete Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope, Hansen set out on March 21, 1985, to wheel around the world to raise awareness and funds for spinal cord injury research. Over the course of 26 months, Hansen wheeled over 40,000 kilometers through 34 countries across four continents before crossing Canada. He returned to Vancouver on May 22, 1987, having raised $26 million for spinal cord research and quality of life initiatives.

The impact of Rick Hansen’s journey was significant. It not only raised substantial funds for research and initiatives but also played a crucial role in changing perceptions about people with disabilities. His foundation, the Rick Hansen Foundation, continues to work towards creating an accessible and inclusive world and funding spinal cord injury research.

Hansen’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of a single individual to inspire and make a significant difference in the world. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the Order of Canada, and continues to be an influential advocate for people with disabilities.