Big Exciting News!

So I have some very exciting news to share! I'm quoting directly from the Rick Hansen Foundation website, because they've explained things better than I could.

"Twenty-five years ago Rick Hansen had a dream - to make the world more accessible and inclusive and to find a cure for spinal cord injury. Inspired by a deep-seated belief that anything is possible, Rick's dream took shape in the form of the Man In Motion World Tour. For 26 months he and his team wheeled over 40,000 kilometres through 34 countries, raising awareness of the potential of people with disabilities. The completion of this epic Tour was a testament to willpower, physical prowess and the ability to lead a seemingly impossible campaign. It was the beginning of a lifelong and selfless journey to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Through the Foundation that bears his name, more than $250 million has been raised to accelerate progress towards a cure for spinal cord injury and a more accessible and inclusive world.

To commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Man In Motion World Tour, international and national events and activities are taking place.

The 25th Anniversary Relay will retrace the Canadian segment of the original Tour, but this time one man in motion will be represented and celebrated by many in motion; engaging participants from across Canada who have made their own difference in the lives of others.

The Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay will travel through more than 600 communities as it makes its nine-month, 12,000-kilometre journey across Canada before concluding in Vancouver on May 22, 2012.

In every province, Relay Medal-Bearers will pass along the singular Rick Hansen Medal - produced by the Royal Canadian Mint - as the Relay makes its way across the country. Those that have the honour of carrying the Rick Hansen Medal will have demonstrated Rick's values of courage, determination and teamwork. All of our Medal-Bearers will be Difference Makers.

The opportunity to carry the Rick Hansen Medal is a special honour that is made even more memorable by the unique limited edition items that each Medal-Bearer will receive.

Prior to their 250 metre segment each Medal-Bearer will receive an official Rick Hansen Relay uniform created by Nike. This uniform is only available for Medal-Bearers and will be an iconic piece of this nationwide journey.

Upon completing their 250 metre segment each Medal-Bearer will also receive a commemorative medal produced by the Royal Canadian Mint. This medal is symbol of appreciation and recognition for our Difference Makers and encourages them to continue their journey of positive change."

Wednesday night I got an email informing me that I'd been selected as a Difference Maker. I will be carrying the Rick Hansen Medal in my community in May! I am extremely honoured and excited. I have always wanted to meet Rick Hansen-he's a true Canadian hero and someone I
admire a great deal.

Local Peeps, if you'd like to attend, (which I'd love-the more, the merrier!)shoot me an email and I'll make a point of letting you know when and where, once I have more information!