Toronto
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Rick Hansen is celebrating the 25th anniversary of his 26 month, 40,000 kilometer, 34-country tour he undertook to raise the worlds' awareness of the potential that people with disabilities have.
As reported last week by Digital Journal's
Andrew Moran, Rick Hansen's 25-year follow-up to his Man In Motion World Tour, wound its way out of Toronto today and headed toward Mississauga and eventually to the Central and Western provinces.
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Hansen's singular Man in Motion World Tour has segued into the The Many in Motion 25th Anniversary Relay, a 274-day, nine month relay that is retracing the Canadian leg of his world tour, following his original route right across Canada.
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And 'many' in motion this relay team truly is. From the more than 7,000 relay "
difference makers", there are hundreds of volunteers helping make Hansen's "
journey towards a cure and a more inclusive society" come to fruition.
Transporting relay participants to their pickup spots in the Junction.
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The entourage accompanying the relay runners.
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Another shot of the entourage accompanying the relay runners.
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Watching the relay teams get get the participants in place, how the police manage vehicular traffic, and the transfer of the Relay Medal from participant to participant is a sight to see.
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Relay participants were of all ages.
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Relay participants were of all abilities
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Waiting for the relay medal handover in the Junction.
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Many in Motion with children tagging along.
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Waiting for the relay medal handover in Etobicoke.
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And there off ... after receiving the relay medal, they're off to run their portion of the relay.
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One personal note I'd like to add what is not completely visible to all when viewing 10-second clips on the news, is the absolute positivity that Rick Hansen radiates and envelopes those around him.
Hansen welcoming the next relay participant.
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Hansen is quick to wave at supporters as he wheels by, even quicker to smile at all those gathered around, supportive welcoming/thanking hugs are freely given and words of encouragement "
Great job guys!" "
Way to go!" etc. are also spoken in a truly meaningful way. I felt honored to be a witness to just a tiny portion of Mr. Hansen's historic relay.
There are many corporate sponsors funding this event who should be noted.
Sponsor car for the Many in Motion relay.
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All the sponsor's for the Many in Motion 25 Anniversary relay.
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You can check out Rick Hansen's website
here, which includes a Relay Map that shows the progress of the relay on a day to day basis, has a write up featuring selected Medal bearers, is updated every day with new pictures, and has much much more.
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