Twenty-five years to the date of his Man In Motion World Tour commencing its historic cross-Canada journey back to British Columbia, Canadian hero Rick Hansen will continue his journey of making the world more accessible and inclusive with the announcement of the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay.
The Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay
Beginning on August 24, 2011 in Cape Spear, Newfoundland and Labrador – the easternmost point in North America and approximately 15 kilometres south-east of St. John’s – the 25th Anniversary Relay will retrace the Canadian segment of the original Tour, but this time one man in motion will be represented and celebrated by many in motion; engaging 7,000 participants from across Canada who have made their own difference in the lives of others.
Medal-Bearers
Focusing on engaging Canadians to take up the challenge and become catalysts for positive change, the Relay will feature Medal-Bearers who will run, walk, wheel or bike and complete their segments through a variety of forms of movement for all abilities.
The Rick Hansen Medal
In every province, Relay Medal-Bearers will pass along the singular Rick Hansen Medal – produced by the Royal Canadian Mint – as the Relay makes its way across the country. While Rick will be present at a number of cities and stops along the 25th Anniversary Relay, it will be these 7,000 Medal-Bearers who will complete this cross-Canada tour.
Enter to Participate
To enter to win a spot in the Rick Hansen Relay, click here.
Medal-Bearers will represent a wide spectrum of examples of making a difference. Examples will include those who have made a difference by:
•Championing Inclusivity: Creating a more inclusive and accessible society.
•Empowering Youth: Engaging a new generation to become catalysts for positive change.
•Protecting the Planet: Contributing to the protection and sustainability of the environment.
•Promoting Health: Encouraging others to live a healthy, active lifestyle.
•Medical Progress: Advancing research or healthcare for the betterment of others.
Follow the Relay
The Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay will travel through more than 600 communities as it makes its nine-month, 12,000-kilometre journey across Canada before concluding in Vancouver on May 22, 2012.
Click here for our list of Communities
The average Relay distance covered in a day will range from 40 to 80 kilometres. In populated areas, Medal-Bearers will carry the Rick Hansen Medal using a variety of modes of movement, with each Medal-Bearer covering an average distance of 250 metres. In less populated areas, and to cover longer distances between communities, the Rick Hansen Medal will be carried by a Medal-Bearer in “Endurance Mode.” Finally, in an effort to showcase Canada’s innovation in transportation, accessibility and sustainability, extraordinary transportation modes will be utilized – ranging from hand-cycle, snowmobile, adaptive rowing and a variety of other forms.
End of Day Celebrations
Each Relay day will conclude with an End of Day Celebration, which will provide the opportunity for communities to come together, recognize their own difference makers, raise awareness about accessibility and inclusiveness and inspire a new generation to take action to help make the world a better place.
25th Anniversary Relay Fast Facts
•Begins on August 24, 2011 in Cape Spear, Newfoundland and Labrador and concludes in Vancouver, British Columbia on May 22, 2012.
•Fully recreates the original Man In Motion cross-Canada tour, spanning 12,000 kilometres from coast-to-coast.
•Will travel through over 600 communities, visit every capital city and all provinces and territories and reach more than 70% of the Canadian population.
•Will engage approximately 7,000 Medal-Bearers – difference makers in their own right – who will collectively cover an average of 40 to 80 kilometres a day, making their way across the country passing a singular Rick Hansen Medal to the next Medal-Bearer.
•All Canadians (13 years and up) will be able to apply to become a Medal-Bearer through the online contest on www.RickHansenRelay.com.
