News Release For Immediate Release

As part of the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay, Rick Hansen asks Pickering residents to sign-up for Relay via online contest launching today. 

Pickering, ON, April 21, 2011 - 25 Years after his Man In Motion World Tour, and in preparation for his 25th Anniversary Relay which will re-create the Canadian-portion of his original Tour, Rick Hansen is looking for residents of Pickering to help cover the 12,000 kilometre trek across Canada.  One man in motion will be represented and celebrated by many in motion; as 7,000 participants from across Canada who have made their own difference in the lives of others will walk, wheel or run in the Rick Hansen Relay when it begins on August 24, 2011 in Cape Spear, Newfoundland and Labrador and concludes on May 22, 2012 in Vancouver, British Columbia. The 25th Anniversary Relay is planned to pass through the City of Pickering on Saturday, November 5, 2011.
 
To find and recognize these participants, the Rick Hansen Foundation launched an online public contest that opens April 5, 2011 at RickHansenRelay.com, allowing Canadians to enter to win a spot for themselves or nominate a worthy individual to participate in the Relay as a Medal-Bearer.
 
“Today is an exciting day in our 25th Anniversary celebration and for Canadians across the country, as we connect the nation and provide the opportunity for people who are making a difference in the lives of others to be recognized for their accomplishments and to share their stories,” said Rick Hansen, President and CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation. “This is the start of a movement for 7,000 Canadians to help inspire the nation and live by the credo that anything is possible.”
 
As part of the Relay, residents of Pickering can enter the online contest to participate in the Relay. To tell the story of Canada’s difference makers, the online contest is open to: individuals who are creating a more accessible and inclusive world, youth-leaders who are encouraging their generation to embrace positive change, persons who are protecting the environment or any Canadian who is seeking ways to improve the lives of others. While Hansen will not be wheeling across the entire country as he did 25 years ago, he will be present at a number of stops throughout the country during the nine month 25th Anniversary Relay.
 
“As one of over 600 communities the relay will visit, the City of Pickering proudly welcomes Rick Hansen and those committing to this enormous challenge. This ambitious goal is truly inspirational and I hope for a successful journey not only through passing but in every step taken from coast to coast” said Mayor Dave Ryan. 
 
As the Relay will connect the country from coast to coast, the symbol that links each participant to the next will be the Rick Hansen Medal, designed and produced by the Royal Canadian Mint. From the same Ottawa facility responsible for medals of the Canadian Forces, the RCMP and the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games, the Mint has designed and handcrafted sterling silver Rick Hansen Relay Medals.  Every Medal-Bearer will receive their own medal to permanently remember the way in which they personally added to the momentum of the 25th Anniversary Man in Motion World Tour.

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As the gateway city to the east GTA, Pickering (population 94,000) is strategically located where Toronto, York and Durham Regions meet.  Pickering is an affluent community that is steeped in history, natural beauty and small town charm with all the amenities and services that a big city has to offer.  The City of Pickering is considered a municipal leader in fiscal management, service delivery, sustainability and the environment; and offers a wealth of sports, leisure and recreation opportunities to its residents.  Pickering has been recognized by Profit magazine as one of the ten best cities in Canada for growth companies and received the 2008 FCM-CH2M Hill Sustainable Community Planning Award.

About the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay:
Beginning on August 24, 2011 in Cape Spear, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay will retrace the Canadian segment of the original Man In Motion World Tour, traveling 12,000 kilometres, through 600 communities and concluding in Vancouver, British Columbia on May 22, 2012. This time, one will inspire many in motion; engaging 7,000 participants from across Canada who have made their own difference in the lives of others. Please visit RickHansenRelay.com for more information.

Media Contact:
Name                Jody Morris
Title                  (Acting) Supervisor, Marketing, Research & Communications
Email address    jmorris@cityofpickering.com
Phone number   905.420.4660 ext 2953
TTY                  905.420.1739