The legacy of a Canadian hero who inspired the world a quarter of a century ago will be celebrated this spring when the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay comes to Langley.
On Saturday, May 19, residents are invited to gather outside the Langley Events Centre in the afternoon to welcome the Relay and enjoy free, family-oriented activities to promote awareness about accessibility. The event will run from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., with the Relay expected to arrive at the Langley Events Centre around 3 p.m.
“We are so pleased that the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay will be coming through our community,” said Township of Langley Mayor Jack Froese. “When Rick Hansen wheeled around the world 25 years ago on his Man In Motion Tour, he showed us strength, courage, and the huge potential people with disabilities are capable of. He continues to be a symbol of hope for many today, and we look forward to this opportunity to honour all he has achieved.”
Since his original tour started, Hansen has raised more than $250 million through the Rick Hansen Foundation to help find a cure for spinal cord injury and to develop healthy, accessible, and inclusive communities for everyone.
To commemorate the special anniversary of the tour, the Rick Hansen Foundation is holding a Relay that will see the dream and actions of the Man In Motion taken on by Many In Motion.
The Relay started on Canada’s east coast in August and more than 600 communities will be a part of the journey by the time it reaches its final destination of Vancouver in May. During the Relay, the one Man In Motion will be represented by 7,000 participants, known as Difference Makers, who will take turns walking, wheeling, or running across the country.
Along the way, these people - who have made a difference in the lives of others themselves - will pass on the official Rick Hansen Medal.
The relay will make its way through Willoughy/Willowbrook and on to Langley City before heading to Surrey.
“This will be an excellent opportunity to celebrate and raise awareness, and we hope to see the Langley Events Centre parking lot full of people eager to mark this milestone for the Rick Hansen Foundation,” said Township of Langley Community Recreation Manager Keith Miller. “While Rick himself is not expected to be here, his spirit will be honoured with a number of events and activities. This is an opportunity to educate and inform the public about accessibility and inclusiveness, and we encourage people to join us on May 19.”