RICK HANSEN

2007 INDUCTEE

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 over two years to complete, and raised more than $26 million for spinal cord injury research. 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.

Following a car crash at the age of 15, Rick sustained a spinal cord injury that paralyzed him from the waist down. Forced to define a new life for himself, Rick never hesitated to challenge society’s perceptions about what is possible for someone like him. He was the first student with a physical disability to graduate in Physical Education from the University of British Columbia. He went on to become a world-class athlete, competing for Canada in the 1984 Para-Olympic Games and winning 19 international wheelchair marathons, including three world championships. In 1987, Rick was appointed a Companion of the Order of Canada and has received several honourary 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. Today, Rick is still a Man in Motion. As President and CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation, Rick remains committed to advancing spinal cord research and making communities more accessible and inclusive for people with a spinal cord injury. Through Rick’s leadership, the Foundation has generated more than $178 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.