Richard M.
Hansen - Richmond
![Click image for full-size version](/web/20061229022621im_/http://www.protocol.gov.bc.ca/protocol/prgs/obc/1990/1990_RMHansen_sm.jpg) Rick
Hansen exemplifies the triumph of determination over personal tragedy.
He thereby has set, for all British Columbians, the highest standard
of individual accomplishment in the face of adversity.
During his early
high school days in Williams Lake, Rick was a superb athlete, receiving
all-star awards in five sports. Then tragedy struck, but through
a remarkable personal adjustment, Rick turned his tragedy into triumph.
Rick began coaching, using his wheelchair in sports, and set his
sights on a degree in physical education. He became skilled in wheelchair
basketball and the driving force on a team that achieved five national
titles in six years. He went on to become both the National Disabled
Athlete of the Year in 1979 and to share the Lou Marsh Trophy with
Wayne Gretzky as Canada's Outstanding Athlete of 1983.
Rick had a dream
- to change public attitudes and to improve the prospects for those
who had suffered spinal cord injury. In the two-year "Man in
Motion Tour" he mobilized his dream into action. It took strength
of character and determination of the highest order. He achieved
the tour's twin goals in spades.
He is the recipient
of many awards, including the Order of Canada.
The dream goes
on. He continues to take a leadership role on behalf of the disabled
and has spearheaded the creation of the Disability Resource Centre
at U.B.C. which will help remove barriers faced by disabled students
not just at U.B.C. but across the Province.
His alma mater,
the University of British Columbia, has honoured him with a Doctorate
of Law and he is now the first incumbent of the Rick Hansen National
Fellowship.
Rick has become
the national hero of our time and has been a role model not only
for the disabled but for all British Columbians who have the will
to achieve despite adversity. He has exemplified for us all the
true nature of courage and character.
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