22 May 2012
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the conclusion of the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay:
"Over two decades ago, Rick Hansen captured the imagination of the country by rolling his wheelchair across the world to raise awareness of and money for spinal chord research.
"I am very pleased that the legacy of this hero lives on in the annual Canadian relay that bears his name. As the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay draws to a close, I would like to congratulate all 7,000 participants in 600 communities across our great nation who covered 12,000 kilometres by run, walk, wheel or bike, retracing the steps of the Canadian portion of the original Man in Motion World Tour.
"Our Government believes in Rick Hansen's vision. Through the Economic Action Plan 2012, we will continue to support the work of his institute as it strives to achieve breakthroughs in spinal cord injury research and treatment.
"Congratulations again to all participants of this year's relay, which managed to raise awareness for this important cause."
