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Hero Why wheel the world?

Why wheel the world?

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  1. Rick Hansen Foundation
  2. About Rick
  3. Man In Motion World Tour
  4. Currently selected The Dream

Rick Hansen has always been an adventurer at heart. As a young boy, he dreamed of going on a great adventure one day, and even toyed with the idea of cycling around the world with friends.

After his accident, he had to reframe what kinds of adventures were possible. He also came to see how differently society treated people with disabilities – many people saw his wheelchair before they saw him.

Following his injury, Rick was all the more grateful for the acceptance, support and guidance from those close to him: his mentor Stan Stronge; his coach Tim Frick; his friend Terry Fox; and his partner, Amanda Reid. They inspired him to “dream big” and to focus his dreams on making a difference in the lives of others.

Rick Hansen cycling through the track field.

Little more than a fantasy at first, the idea of a tour progressed along with Rick’s athletic career. The more success he had as an athlete, the more he believed he could actually wheel around the world. And the more he travelled internationally for his competitive events, the more he saw people with disabilities being marginalized. He knew that someone had to do something to show the world that people of all abilities could participate and contribute as productive members of their communities. He decided to be that someone and so planning for the Tour began in earnest. Rick assembled a team, secured the necessary equipment and sought expert advice.

On March 21, 1985, at the age of 27, Rick Hansen set out on a round-the-world journey that would make history. Inspired by the dream of creating an accessible and inclusive world, and fuelled by a deep seated belief that “anything is possible,” Rick and his team battled the elements and the odds through 34 countries on four continents.

Rick Hansen on tour cycling with his team behind him.

He wheeled the equivalent of two marathons every day (40,000 kilometres in total) before returning home to Vancouver on May 22, 1987. His Man In Motion World Tour was complete. Rick and his team had not only raised awareness of the potential of people with disabilities, but they had also raised $26 million to help realize Rick’s dream of a truly accessible and inclusive world.

Soon after the Tour ended, Rick realized that his dream had yet to become a reality. The Tour had inspired people around the world to believe in their own potential. And it sparked a public dialogue that led to new policies, building codes and legislation aimed at making communities more accessible and inclusive.

While the Tour was an incredible and inspiring journey, social stereotypes were still alive. Without ongoing leadership and vision, the progress achieved would crumble. More needed to be done and Rick was not about to give up. This steadfast determination led Rick to found the Rick Hansen Foundation in 1988, where he actively continues to create awareness, change attitudes, and break down barriers so people with disabilities can reach their full potential.

Rick Hansen, Don Alder and unknown representative from McDonald's during the Man In Motion World Tour.

Tour Timeline

A chronological timeline of the Tour.

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Rick Hansen and his team standing in front of their motor home during the Man in Motion World Toura

Tour Team

Meet the amazing group of people that made up the MIMWT team.

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A little girl gives Rick Hansen a donation at a McDonald's restaurant during the Man in Motion World Tour

Tour Gallery

Browse the archival photos and videos of Rick and the team at various parts in the Tour.

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1-800-213-2131
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Rick Hansen Foundation
300-3820 Cessna Drive
Richmond, BC
Canada V7B 0A2

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About Us - EN

  • About Us
  • Our Programs
  • Leadership Team
  • Board Members and Committees
  • Donors
  • Annual Reports
  • 2021-23 Strategic Plan
  • FAQ
  • Work With Us
  • Contact Us
  • Champion's Circle

About Rick - EN

  • About Rick
  • Rick's Story
  • Man In Motion World Tour
    • Man In Motion World Tour
    • The Dream
    • Tour Timeline
    • Tour Gallery
    • Tour Team
    • 35th Anniversary
  • Rick’s Work and Vision
  • A Conversation with Rick
  • Awards & Honours

Get Involved - EN

  • Get Involved
  • Donate
  • Legacy Giving
  • Fundraise
  • Help make Canada accessible
  • Everyone Everywhere
  • National AccessAbility Week

Become Accessible - EN

  • Become Accessible
  • Rating & Certification 
    • Rating & Certification 
    • Rating Request Form
    • RHFAC FAQ
    • RHFAC v3.0
  • Accessibility Training and Education
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  • APN 2023 Conference
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    • Accessibility Professional Network
    • FAQ: Accessibility Professional Network
    • Login
    • RHFAC Professional Directory
  • Post an Accessibility Job
  • Accessibility Advisory Services
  • Buildings Without Barriers Challenge
  • Leaders in Accessibility
  • 2022 B.C. Accessibility Grants

Schools & Communities - EN

  • Schools and Communities
  • Create an Inclusive School Year
    • Start with Awareness
    • Concentrate on Kindness 
    • Boldly Take Action
  • Resource Library
  • Ambassador Presentations
    • Ambassador Presentations
    • Book a Presentation
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  • Difference Maker Awards
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  • Supplementary Resources
  • Our Partners

News & Stories - EN

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Imagine Canada

The Standards Program Trustmark is a mark of Imagine Canada used under license by the Rick Hansen Foundation.

Charitable Registration Number: 10765 9427 RR 0001 © 2023 Rick Hansen Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

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Our programs and initiatives work to create an accessible and inclusive world where people with disabilities can live to their full potential. 

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When Rick set out to wheel around the world in 1985, he had three missions: to raise awareness about the potential of people with disabilities, create accessible and inclusive communities, and find a cure.

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Browse the latest stories about access and inclusion from Rick and our team of bloggers. 

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