CALGARY — Man in Motion Rick Hansen is the grand marshal of this year’s Calgary Stampede parade.
Hansen is marking the 25th anniversary of his wheelchair journey around the world in which he raised $26 million for spinal cord research.
After he completed his odyssey he established the Rick Hansen Foundation to find a cure for spinal cord injuries and improve quality of life for those who have them. It has raised over $200 million.
Hansen, who has announced he is planning another tour across Canada in August, is expected to wheel along the Stampede route July 8.
He expressed both humility and excitement at being named parade marshal.
“The Calgary Stampede brings Canadians and the world together every year and showcases the best of what our country can be through its dedication to strengthening communities and supporting programs for youth,” he said in a release Thursday.
“It is an honour to be selected as the parade marshal for this year’s Stampede.”
Hansen first drew the attention of the world in 1985 when he began his two-year Man In Motion tour in which he wheeled himself around the world to raise money.
“He has dedicated his life to helping others and inspiring Canadians to do the same,” said Stampede president Mike Casey. “He’s one of Canada’s most recognized and respected ambassadors, beloved worldwide as an icon of perseverance and hard work.”
Earlier this year, Hansen announced a new goal: a nine-month, 12,000-kilometre cross-country relay that will follow the route of the original Man In Motion tour. Some 7,000 participants from across Canada will have the opportunity to walk, wheel or run in the relay.
Hansen was paralyzed from the waist down in a car crash in 1973 when he was 15 years old. His determination and tenacity would see him win 19 international wheelchair marathons and six medals as a Paralympian.