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.
Twenty-five years later, Keremeos is proud to be, once again, part of the Rick Hansen Relay. Keremeos and District took part in Rick Hansen’s Man in Motion World Tour (MIMWT) and in 1982, our community raised $6,292. Over the past 25 years the Rick Hansen Foundation has raised more than $250 million to accelerate progress towards a cure for SCI and a more accessible and inclusive world.
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 25th Anniversary of the Man in Motion tour has moved from an individual man to “Many in Motion” will be coming through Keremeos on May 9.
Local medal-bearers will travel Rick’s former route to raise awareness of the potential of people with disabilities. On May 9, they will leave Osoyoos in the morning, stop for lunch and celebration in Keremeos and finishing the day in Princeton.
A Community Fundraising Lunch will be provided by our local chapter of the Order of the Royal Purple as a fundraiser. A celebration will be held at the Memorial Park to acknowledge the work of local organizations, and individuals.
Over the next two months leading up to the Medal Relay, the Review will publish more information on accessibility, and local individuals and organizations that are making a difference in our community. For more information on the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay visit rickhansenrelay.com or contact our local Planning Committee through Colleen Christensen at Similkameen Country at: 250-499-5225 email: siminfo@nethop.net
