Rick hansens biography

1. Rick Hansen: A Journey of Courage and Inspiration
2. Early Life and Accident
3. Athletic Achievements and Advocacy
4. Continued Activism
5. Recognition and Personal Life

Rick Hansen: A Journey of Courage and Inspiration

Rick Hansen is a Canadian wheelchair athlete, activist, and motivational speaker who has inspired thousands of people around the world who find themselves in wheelchairs for various reasons. In the mid-1980s, his tour 'The Man In Motion' became a highly-discussed event as Rick traveled 40,000 kilometers to raise public awareness about spinal cord injuries and raise funds for research in this field.

Early Life and Accident

Rick Hansen, born Richard Marvin Hansen, in 1957 in Port Alberni, British Columbia, was a healthy and athletic child who enjoyed fishing. However, his life changed in 1973 when, at the age of 15, he was involved in a car accident. As a result of the accident, the lower half of his body became paralyzed. After returning home from a six-month stay in the hospital, Rick began adjusting to his new condition and life in a wheelchair.

Athletic Achievements and Advocacy

Despite the challenges he faced, Rick completed his education, attending the University of British Columbia. Initially rejected from the Faculty of Physical Education due to his wheelchair, Rick focused on studying art. However, he later became one of the top wheelchair basketball players in the university team and excelled in wheelchair volleyball as well. After a year, Rick was allowed to transfer to the Faculty of Physical Education, becoming the first wheelchair athlete to graduate with a degree in physical education.

During his time as a student, Rick realized that there were numerous issues affecting people with disabilities that were not receiving public attention. Inspired by his friend Terry Fox, the founder of the Marathon of Hope, Rick embarked on his own global journey called the 'Man In Motion World Tour' on March 21, 1985. This wheelchair journey was unprecedented in sports history. Rick traveled 40,000 kilometers across 34 countries over a span of 26 months. His journey ended in Vancouver on May 22, 1987, where he was welcomed by thousands of people. Through his tour, Rick raised 26 million dollars for spinal cord injury research and rehabilitation programs for people with disabilities.

Continued Activism

Following his journey, Rick Hansen established the Rick Hansen Foundation, the leading charitable organization in Canada dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities. The foundation focuses on funding spinal cord injury research and promoting accessibility and inclusion for individuals with disabilities. Rick continues to be involved in various initiatives, including organizing the 'Wheels In Motion' event in 2003 and inspiring other athletes, such as Dmitry Shparo, a Russian wheelchair traveler and philanthropist.

Recognition and Personal Life

Rick Hansen is widely regarded as a hero in Canada for his accomplishments and contributions. He has been honored with the Order of Canada, the Order of British Columbia, and numerous other awards. Rick has also co-authored two books, 'Rick Hansen: Man in Motion' and 'Going the Distance: 7 Steps to Personal Change'.

In his personal life, Rick is married to his former doctor, Amanda Reid, and they have three daughters. The family resides in Richmond, British Columbia.