Statement by Lieutenant Governor David Onley on the 25th anniversary of Rick
Hansen's 'Man in Motion' World Tour

TORONTO, March 20 /CNW/ - Sunday, March 21, will mark two significant events: the closing ceremony in Vancouver of the most successful Winter Paralympics to date, and the 25th anniversary of the Man in Motion World Tour by one of Canada's most celebrated Paralympians, Rick Hansen.

Over 26 months, from March 1985 to May 1987, Rick Hansen circled the world by wheelchair, covering more than 40,000 km, through 34 countries on four continents, and raising $26 million for spinal cord research and treatment.

In the years since, the Rick Hansen Foundation has generated hundreds of millions of dollars for spinal cord injury programs and initiatives, including the International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (iCORD), the largest such research facility in the world.

Through his many accomplishments, as an athlete, advocate, and humanitarian, Rick Hansen has been an inspiration and role model for Canadians of all ages and levels of ability.

I was honoured to meet with Rick Hansen last week when I was in Vancouver for the opening of the Paralymic Games. I extend my sincere congratulations to him on the 25th anniversary of his Man in Motion Tour, and I wish him every success as he launches a global initiative to raise funds for a cure for spinal cord injuries.

/NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited members of the media/

For further information: Nanda Casucci-Byrne, Office of the Lieutenant Governor, [phone], www.lt.gov.on.ca