Richmond will welcome the Man in Motion back to his adopted hometown at the Richmond Olympic Oval on Sunday, May 20, as the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay enters the final two cities of its nine-month, cross-Canada journey.
It brings me great pride to celebrate the arrival of the relay to my hometown of Richmond, B.C., Rick Hansen said in a press release put out by the city.
As the relay has travelled across the country, honouring difference makers in communities throughout Canada, I am continually amazed and inspired by the stories of our participants, and grateful for the support from well-wishers along the way.
Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie, Vancouver 2010 president John Furlong, former Vancouver Canuck, coach and general manager Pat Quinn, as well as wheelchair and community activist Vince Miele, will accompany Hansen as he wraps up Day 271 of 273 on his round-the-world tour.
Rick Hansen has made an incredible mark around the world, as well as right here in Richmond through his grassroots work in the community as a coach, father and neighbour, said Brodie.
The free, End of Day Celebration begins at 3:30 p.m. with outdoor entertainment on the ovals southeast plaza, including cover band SideOne and a martial arts demonstration by Para Taekwondo a program for paraplegics and others with physical challenges. Formal ceremonies get underway with the arrival of Hansen at 5 p.m.
As part of the 25th anniversary relay, more than 7,000 medal-bearers are helping trace the original Man In Motion Tour across Canada.
The relay will arrive in Richmond at noon on May 20 and wind its way through the community, stopping at a number of places before arriving at the celebration.
To date, the relay has travelled through more than 600 communities in its 12,000-kilometre journey across Canada, which concludes in Vancouver on May 22.
Linking each participant to the next is the Rick Hansen Medal, designed and handcrafted in sterling silver by the Royal Canadian Mint. Many of the medal-bearers are recognized as difference makers in their community.
The average relay distance covered in a day ranges from 40 to 80 kilometres.
In an effort to showcase Canadas innovation in transportation, accessibility and sustainability, extraordinary transportation modes will be utilized ranging from hand-cycle, adaptive rowing and a variety of other forms.
The medal will depart Richmond on May 21 on board the new Canada Line rapid transit train en route to Vancouver.
For more information on Richmonds relay events, visit www.richmond.ca.
For more information on the relay, visit www.RickHansenRelay.com.
