CTV Presents Star-Studded Special Event RICK HANSEN: A CONCERT FOR HEROES, June 24

- Nine-month, cross-Canada relay ends with a bang in Vancouver, May 22 -

- Marianas Trench, Johnny Reid, Sarah McLachlan and Jann Arden to perform during anniversary celebration broadcast event -

To tweet this release: http://bit.ly/Lfre14

TORONTO, May 17, 2012 /CNW/ - Twenty-five years after the Man In Motion toured the world, CTV joins the Rick Hansen Foundation in honouring today's "Difference Makers" during the exclusive broadcast premiere of RICK HANSEN: A CONCERT FOR HEROES, airing Sunday, June 24 at 7 p.m. ET on CTV. To be taped in Vancouver May 22, the special celebrates the end of the 25^th Anniversary of the Rick Hansen Man In Motion World Tour, including a nine-month, cross-country relay which saw 7,000 Canadians travel 12,000 kilometres through 600 communities - all in the name of positive change. The concert brings to an exciting climax the anniversary relay and airs in tribute to extraordinary Canadians who strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Hosted by TSN's Michael Landsberg and E!'s Leah Miller, the one-hour broadcast event features performances by multiple award-winning Canadian artists David Foster, Sarah McLachlan, Jann Arden, Marianas Trench, and Johnny Reid. Also appearing in the anniversary celebration are celebrity presenters including noted environmentalist David Suzuki, and Free The Children founder Craig Kielburger.

"The 25^th Anniversary of the Man In Motion World Tour recognized local champions across our great country and celebrated Canadians who are making a positive difference in the lives of others," said Rick Hansen. "A national broadcast in honour of this occasion will further unite Canadians through the shared stories of extraordinary difference makers who inspire us to never give up on our dreams. It is yet another outstanding legacy of the 25^th Annviersary for which I am incredibly grateful."

** Media Note ** Download photos at bellmediapr.ca

Encore broadcasts of RICK HANSEN: A CONCERT FOR HEROES air Wednesday, June 27 at 7 p.m. ET on CTV Two; Saturday, June 30 at 4 p.m. ET on CTV; Saturday, July 7 at 12 p.m. ET on CTV Two and at 7 p.m. on Bravo.

The one-hour television special will be filmed at Rick Hansen Celebration 25, the spectacular finale of the 25th Anniversary Man In Motion tour, recognizing difference makers and everyday heroes while inspiring a new generation to challenge what it is and envision what it can be. The two-hour live event takes place in Vancouver on Tuesday, May 22, honouring remarkable Canadians. For media accreditation to attend Rick Hansen Celebration 25, click here.

RICK HANSEN: A CONCERT FOR HEROES is produced by CTV. Sheila Sullivan is Executive Producer for CTV Specials. Catherine MacLeod is Vice-President, Specialty Channels, Bell Media. Rick Brace is President, Specialty Channels and CTV Production, Bell Media. Mike Cosentino is Senior Vice-President, Programming, CTV Networks. Phil King is President, CTV Programming and Sports.

About the Rick Hansen Foundation:
In 1987, following the Man In Motion World Tour (MIMWT), Rick established the Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) to continue his quest for an accessible and inclusive society and a cure for spinal cord injury (SCI). Under Rick's leadership, RHF functions as a social innovator - finding collaborative solutions to challenges in the community and the resources necessary to implement those solutions. RHF has been successful in leveraging the original $26M raised during the MIMWT to more than $245M in support of people, programs and research in pursuit of a healthier and more inclusive world. As part of the 25^th Anniversary campaign, the Rick Hansen Foundation has launched a national public fundraising campaign to support ongoing programs and initiatives.  For ways to get involved, or to make a donation, please visit www.RickHansen.com.

About CTV
CTV, Canada's Olympic Network, is also Canada's largest private broadcaster. Featuring a wide range of quality news, sports, information, and entertainment programming, CTV is Canada's most-watched television network and lead broadcaster of the London 2012 Olympic Games. CTV is a division of Bell Media, Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio and digital. Bell Media is owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada's largest communications company. More information about CTV can be found on the network's website at ctv.ca.

Social Media Links:
@LeahMiller
@HeyLandsberg
@RickHansenFdn
@RickHansenInstitute

Image with caption: "Rick Hansen (CNW Group/CTV)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120517_C8701_PHOTO_EN_13888.jpg

Patricia Garcia, Bell Media, 416-384-2645, [email protected]
Renee Dupuis, Bell Media,  416-384-3004, [email protected]
John Gibson, Rick Hansen Foundation, 604-644-0811, [email protected]