Remembering the Man In Motion World Tour

Thirty five years ago, Rick Hansen set out on his 26 month, 34 country wheel around the world to raise awareness about the potential of people with disabilities and find a cure for Spinal Cord Injury. Today, the Man In Motion World Tour has left behind countless legacies, paving the way for three decades of removing barriers for people with disabilities.  

In honour of the 35th anniversary, we’ve created a commemorative poster, desktop and mobile wallpaper in a retro 80’s style. To request your free copy, send us your name and email below. If you have a story or memory from the Tour we’d love to hear it!  All year long we will share your Tour stories on social media, along with a few never – before told stories about Tour artifacts from the people behind them.  

Behind the Artifacts

This year, the Canadian Museum of History was excited to acquire the entire collection of artifacts from Rick Hansen’s Man In Motion World Tour, to preserve and display this piece of Canadian history for future generations to discover. Each item has a story to tell, of perseverance, breaking through barriers, and dreams coming true. We’ve asked the people behind these artifacts to tell the story of where they came from and the meaning behind each item.

In honour of the 35th anniversary of the Man In Motion World Tour, John Parr shares his memories of Rick Hansen's epic 40,000 km wheelchair tour around the world, and the chart-topping song it inspired, St. Elmo's Fire. 

Darrell Fox shares his memories of Rick Hansen's Man In Motion World Tour, and the connection between Terry Fox and Rick Hansen. This is also the story behind one of the artifacts donated to the Canadian Museum of History in 2020, a miniature replica of the Terry Fox monument in Thunder Bay, Ontario which Rick stopped at during his own journey to pay tribute to his friend and inspiration. 

Nancy Thompson, original Man In Motion World Tour Team member, shares her memories of the Tour and the story behind one of the artifacts donated to the Canadian Museum of History in 2020. The commemorative plate from China had special significance to the Man in Motion Team.

Discover more Man In Motion World Tour stories and artifacts by following along on social media! You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn, or explore the hashtag #MIMWTMemories.