I have a huge respect for Rick Hansen and all that he has done. I was really happy to see how much he was honored and included in the 2010 Olympics.
And now, he has announced a $200-Million Global Initiative for Spinal Cord Research. Here is the article below from the Province.
On the 25th anniversary of his historic world tour, Rick Hansen has announced a $200-million global initiative to raise funds for spinal-cord research.
Canada’s Man in Motion on Sunday announced the creation of the Rick Hansen Institute, which is intended to connect people and countries from around the world and help them make contributions toward spinal-cord research and care.
The Rick Hansen Foundation is launching a $200-million 25th anniversary campaign to generate resources for the institute and other innovations that support its cause.
“Just as I started out on a journey 25 years ago today, the institute is now poised to begin its journey,” Hansen said in a statement.
“We are committed to working with RHI as it gains momentum to connect with the world and realize its goals of minimizing disability, maximizing quality of life and finding a cure for (spinal-cord injury).”
Also on Sunday, the B.C government announced a $25-million donation to accelerate the search for a cure for spinal cord injury.
B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell made the announcement as Hansen marked the anniversary of the start of his Man in Motion World Tour, which also coincided with the last day of the 2010 Paralympics in Vancouver.
“Throughout the Games, athletes with physical disabilities showed the world what they can do, and this $25 million will help others with disabilities succeed against the odds,” Campbell said in a news release.
Beginning in March 1985 in Vancouver, Hansen crossed the globe by wheelchair to raise money for spinal-cord research.
Over 26 months, Hansen travelled more than 40,000 kilometres through 34 countries on four continents and raised more than $26 million.
“There has been so much progress in this field since I embarked on my Man in Motion world tour 25 years ago,” said Hansen. “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our successes and prepare for the future. This will help us launch our global institute and position us to take on what will be our greatest challenge yet.”
