Relay events include Terry Fox Run, Canadian Forces Base visit, crossing Confederation Bridge
Halifax, NS - Twenty-five years to the date of his Man In Motion World Tour travelling through Nova Scotia, Rick Hansen returned to Cole Harbour, Halifax. Rick joins his cross-Canada Relay honouring Canadian Difference Makers which entered Nova Scotia on September 8, 2011, and continues on to PEI on September 21, 2011.
"It's hard to believe that it's been 25 years since my team and I visited this region on our original Tour. It was the warmth and enthusiasm from the communities we passed through that fueled my team and I to believe in our dream - and we are yet again seeing outstanding support from Canadians as we honour local difference makers who are joining us in our journey toward a healthier and more inclusive world," said Rick Hansen at yesterday's End of Day Celebration in Cole Harbour.
The Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay is a 12,000 kilometre route that makes its way across Canada, retracing Rick's original Man In Motion World Tour. It is being completed over the next nine months by 7,000 Canadians who have made a difference in the lives of others.
Since the launch on August 24, 2011, the Relay has passed through 45 communities in Newfoundland and Labrador, and is currently in Nova Scotia. Beginning in Cape Spear, NL with 13-year-old Jacob Manning, the Rick Hansen medal - designed by the Royal Canadian Mint - has been passed among 618 difference makers. Ten modes of transportation have been showcased, including walking, running, horseback riding, wheeling, boating, and even a deep sea dive.
Among the highlights is Rick's visit to CFB Halifax to honour Canada's military on Saturday September 17th. Rick will also participate in the annual Terry Fox Run at Point Pleasant Park in Halifax on Sunday, September 18th. "Rick is one of those people, like Terry, who has inspired millions around the world for his cause. Rick embodies so many of the qualities that Terry had and it will be both a privilege and joy to have Rick present at the Halifax Terry Fox Run," said Barbara Fickes, NS Provincial Director, Terry Fox Foundation.
In Nova Scotia, 468 difference makers will participate in the Relay, carrying the Rick Hansen medal over the course of 14 days, from Sydney Mines to New Glasgow.
The Relay will then enter Prince Edward Island, where 104 difference makers will contribute to the 9- month journey by carrying the medal across the province, from Murray River on September 21st, to Borden-Carleton on September 27th, where it will cross Confederation Bridge into New Brunswick.
In addition to the Relay, the Rick Hansen Foundation will partner with local municipalities that were not on the original Man In Motion World Tour to recognize local difference makers at locally-hosted celebratory events. On September 25th, Rick Hansen will travel to Iqaluit - while the Relay continues on in PEI - to participate in community celebrations (a community square dance and a visit to a youth centre) and school visits aimed at engaging youth and recognizing local difference makers from the region who will be honoured with a replica medal from the Royal Canadian Mint, which all 7,000 Relay participants receive.
For a full list of Relay stops between September 16 and September 22, and Iqaluit celebrations, please visit the updates section.
Media Materials:
The following items will be available in the Media Centre on RickHansenRelay.com: Relay route map, full list of communities and dates, list of Medal-Bearers, Media Highlight Sheets with Medal-Bearer stories (1 per day, uploaded at least 48 hours in advance), and high resolution images.
About the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay:
Beginning on August 24, 2011 in Cape Spear, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay will retrace the Canadian segment of the original Man In Motion World Tour, traveling 12,000 kilometres, through 600 communities and concluding in Vancouver, British Columbia on May 22, 2012. This time, one will inspire many in motion; engaging 7,000 participants from across Canada who have made their own difference in the lives of others. Please visit RickHansenRelay.com.