DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (Hansard), Friday, May 23, 2008 - Two Minute Statement

           J. Horgan: It's been over 20 years since a young man from Williams Lake returned from the most incredible world tour ever undertaken. After two years, two months, two days, through 32 countries, over 40,000 kilometres, Rick Hansen wheeled into our hearts and minds. Spinal cord injury can happen to anyone at anytime. The impact of SCI on individuals and families is enormous, but because of Rick Hansen and his world tour, tremendous strides have been made in spinal cord research. Equally important has been the transformation in how the able-bodied address the challenges of accessibility faced by citizens in wheelchairs.

           June 8 marks the sixth year of the Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion event, where Canadians from coast to coast come together to raise money and awareness for spinal cord research. Wheels in Motion is an opportunity for all of us to support the Rick Hansen Foundation and countless other organizations, like the SCI Solutions Alliance.

           Since the inception of the annual Wheels in Motion day, Canadians have raised over $7.6 million. These funds have supported over 700 quality-of-life projects in communities like mine and others across this country, to provide solutions for men, women and children with spinal cord injury.

           Wheels in Motion 2008 events will support quality-of-life programs that help ensure that people with SCI receive the support they need to fully participate in their communities and lead healthy, active lives.

           Projects also contribute to making communities more accessible. They provide peer-support programs, equipment and assistive devices, sports and leisure activities, accessibility through community, transportation and housing improvements and many, many more initiatives.

           I invite all members of this House and those watching at home to contact their local organizing committees to sign up and participate in this year's event. On June 8 you can wheel, roll, ride or walk in your local area to support research and community accessibility. The Victoria event will be held in the riding of the member for Oak Bay-Gordon Head at Willows Park on the eighth, beginning at nine o'clock.

           In Duncan people will be able to gather at the city square early in the day for the annual wheelchair rugby event. If you need more information - www.rickhansen.org.