Emily Beatty, 15, was chosen out of thousands to carry the Rick Hansen medal in Niagara Falls By Sarah Ferguson Posted 4 hours ago
It started as a dream to make the world a more accessible place—to make that dream happen, Rick Hansen wheeled over 60,000 km through 34 countries in an effort to raise awareness for people with disabilities over 26 months, 25 years ago.
Hansen did what was called the Man In Motion Tour, says 15 year-old Emily Beatty.
She says the tour was meant to raise awareness about accessibility and to help find a cure for spinal cord injuries.
Through the Foundation that bears his name, more than $250 million has been raised to accelerate progress towards a cure for spinal cord injuries, and a more accessible and inclusive world.
Beatty, along with 7,000 other medal-bearers will pass Rick Hansen medal to each other in 250 metre segments, as the Relay weaves its way across the country.
Her turn to carry the medal will happen on Nov. 14 in Niagara Falls. It's something Beatty says she is nervous, but she is honoured to have been chosen out of 8,000 people in Ontario who applied to be a part of the tour.
"I wanted to be a part of something special and to create awareness for those who can't walk."
Beatty's mom, Sandra, said she is thrilled Emily will be a part of the tour because it is an important part of history.
"I'm very excited, I'm proud and I can't stop telling everybody."
The proud mother says she taught her daughter about the impact Hansen made.
Beatty says she remembers being a teenager when Hansen travelled to Brock University during his tour.
"If you go back 30 years ago, Brock certainly wasn't as accessible as it is now."
Beatty, who works at the university, says many accommodations have been made for students in wheel chairs, including ramps, and elevators.
Even though the university has made many changes, there is still a lot to be done throughout the region, and even in NOTL.
"For sure there is a need in NOTL, some places, especially in the heritage district just aren't as accessible."
The relay Emily will be participating in is a continuation of Hansen's world tour 25 years ago, says Beatty.
"What Emily is doing is a continuation of Hansen's world tour 25years ago. Rick Hansen did it all over the world. He did that and he finished it in Canada to spread awareness about accessibility for people."
The proud mother says she remembers when she was a teenager and Hansen travelled to Brock University as part of his tour.
Beatty says Hansen's visit made an important impact in the community and it was a memory she passed a long to her daughter, Emily.
"I taught her about Rick Hansen and it's something she grew up always knowing about."
For more information about the relay, visit www.rickhansenrelay.com .
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