Rick Hansen

Rick Hansen was born born in Port Alberni and grew up in Williams Lake, British Columbia. In 1973 he was a carefree teen-ager who lived and breathed sports. While hitchhiking home from a fishing trip, the truck he was riding in went out of control and crashed. The doctors told Rick Hansen he was a paraplegic and would never walk again.

Rick's life from that point on is one of hope and encouragement. He persevered through rehabilitation; returned to his home town; graduated from secondary school; and turned his athletic abilities to mastering competitive wheelchair sports. Rick Hansen was the first student with a disability to graduate in physical education from the University of B.C. In 1985, motivated by his success as an international Marathon wheeler and his hopes to make a difference in the world in how people perceived disability, Rick gathered a small group of friends and embarked on the Man in Motion World Tour.

Today, Rick Hansen's phenomenal accomplishment is the establishment of the new Rick Hansen Institute at the University of B.C. (February, 1997). Rick Hansen is partnering with the University and a number of founding entities, to come together under one shared vision -  to remove the barriers that limit people with disabilities from reaching their full potential. Through Rick Hansen's leadership the Institute will support the delivery of initiatives in the field of disability, with a special focus on spinal cord injury and health promotion for people with disabilities. The Man in Motion Legacy, as part of the institute, will share in the renewed energy, vision and teamwork.

Despite a hectic schedule, Rick finds time to contribute to the community, He has served on a number of Boards including the Canadian Neuroscience Network; the Manning Awards Foundation, NIKE Canada, the 1994 Commonwealth Games; the 1995 Grey Cup; and the Governor Generals' Canadian Study Conference in 1995. Rick has been nominated Honorary Chair of various organizations including the Think First Foundation of Canada and the Canadian Paraplegic Association.

Rick is very active in the field of promoting post secondary education for students with disabilities. Rick is also promoting the development of strong life skills for all students, including motivation, goal setting and finding the courage to reach for one's dream. Through the recent launch of the B.C. Life Skills Program, Rick is reaching out to students and educators across Canada.

As part of the continuing message of the ability of people with disabilities, Rick is proposing full medal status of  the men's 1500m and women's 800m wheelchair races, currently demonstration events at the Olympic Games. The international Olympic Committee has agreed to seriously consider the proposal and a positive decision is hoped for in 1997.

Rick is successfully lobbying for the creation of Neurotrauma Funds in every province across Canada based on a portion of fines from relevant traffic offences which are responsible for more than 50% of all spinal cord and brain injuries. On February 25, 1997, the Premier of B.C. committed to $2 million annually to assist research, rehabilitation and prevention of neurotrauma injuries in British Columbia. Today, over $37 million has been dedicated by 7 provinces to support Neurotrauma in their Province, and Rick expects two more provinces to join by December, 1997. International interest in this initiative is very strong and Rick will continue to encourage similar funds around the world.

Rick has received many honors in recognition of his accomplishments and continued contribution to human welfare and the common good. His is a Companion of the Order of Canada, a recipient of the Order of Canada, and has been granted Freedom of the City of Vancouver. He served as Commissioner General of Canada for Canada at Expo 88 in Australia and was appointed Secretary to the Queen during her visit for Canada's 125th Birthday. He has received honorary Doctor of Law degrees from the University of B.C., the University of Calgary, St. Mary's University in Halifax, the University of Victoria and the University of Ontario. Rick has been honored as an outstanding Canadian with both the Manning Award and the prestigious Royal Bank Award.

Rick is a highly sought-after motivational speaker particularly in the areas of goal setting, motivation, overcoming obstacles and embracing change. Recently he co-authored a popular book Going the Distance: 7 Steps to Personal Change.

Rick Hansen married his physiotherapist Amanda Reid and they live with their three daughters in Vancouver, British Columbia. When not working at his office at the University of B.C., spending committed time with his family, or on the road fulfilling numerous speaking engagements, Rick can be found enjoying his favourite hobby - fishing.