Spanning Hansen’s early athletic career and life on Tour, the collection includes 1,700 artifacts, and thousands of behind-the-scenes videos, photographs and documents.
Donated by Rick Hansen to the Museum in May 2020, this important collection reflects the unparalleled achievement of a Canadian hero, and his activism for greater access and inclusion for people with disabilities.
“Great societies become greater when everyone has equal access, is fully engaged, and can realize their potential.” — Rick Hansen
In March 1985, Canadian Paralympian and Olympian Rick Hansen set out on a journey that would make history. Hansen’s dream for the Man In Motion Tour was to make the world accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities, and to fund research for a cure for paralysis. After an epic 26-month, 40,000 kilometre journey around the world in his wheelchair, Rick and his team completed the Tour and arrived home in Vancouver on May 22, 1987.
The Collection
The Rick Hansen Man In Motion World Tour Collection contains thousands of artifacts and photographs documenting Hansen’s early athletic career as a Paralympic and Olympic athlete, through to the worldwide Man In Motion World Tour.
“I am driven by a deep passion and need to make a difference and leave this world a little better than when I arrived. That’s what keeps me going.” — Rick Hansen
Image gallery
An Afternoon with Rick Hansen, May 22, 2020
On May 22, 2020, the Rick Hansen Man In Motion World Tour Collection was officially donated to the Canadian Museum of History during the exclusive online event, An Afternoon With Rick Hansen. In conversation with Dr. Jenny Ellison, Curator of Sports and Leisure at the Museum, Hansen shared behind-the-scenes stories from the Tour, and reflected upon key objects that shaped his journey.
Do you have photos and stories about the Man In Motion World Tour?
Contact the Rick Hansen Foundation
Darrell Fox, The Terry Fox Research Institute
Listen to Darrell Fox, brother to Terry, discuss the close connection Rick Hansen has with the Fox family.
Nancy Thompson, Man in Motion World Tour, Home Team and Road Crew
Hear Nancy Thompson, Man in Motion World Tour volunteer, reflect on her experience and the significance of the event.
John Parr, singer-songwriter of the hit song St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)
Tune in to John Parr tell the story behind the making of his hit song St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion).
Rick Hansen Foundation
For more than three decades, the Rick Hansen Foundation has been dedicated to creating a world that is accessible and inclusive for all, by removing barriers for people with disabilities. Hansen and the Foundation are dedicated to raising awareness, changing attitudes, helping create accessible spaces, and liberating the potential of people with disabilities.
Through his ongoing work as Founder of the Rick Hansen Foundation, Rick Hansen’s dream of creating a world without barriers continues.
Please visit the Rick Hansen Foundation website to learn more about the great work being done to build a more accessible world.
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