Rick Runs again!

You know a couple of weeks ago  when I talked about Terry Fox.  Well, today I'm going to tell you about another inspirational man, Rick Hansen.  Rick is one more of Canada's biggest hero's.  He started off just  a regular teenager and then he turned into a nation wide star.  When Rick was in his late teens, he went on a fishing trip with his buddies.  They drove there in a truck, and Rick was in the back.  They got into an accident.  Rick survived, but ended up with a spinal cord injury.  Rick, like terry fox, knew that people all over the world suffer from spinal cord injuries.  There is a chance these injuries can be cured by some sort of spinal stem research.  So, Rick, inspired by terry, wanted to wheel  through Canada to raise money for the research to find a cure.  Two B.C boys crossing the country to make a difference in the lives of others.    Rick's run was a big success  now hes back at it again to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his run. This time, he wants all of us to be a part of it with him.  This summer, Rick started his journey  in Newfoundland, Labrador, the most Eastern Part of Canada.  Rick isn't the only one participating  his time.  He has tons of supporters,.  Here's the big news!  Part of Rick Hansen's team is coming through my town, Invermere B.C.  A group that I am involved in, called A.C.E(Access in the Community for Everyone) is a non-profit organization that helps improve the accessibility around Invermere, so it is a enjoyable place for everybody.  I  have just started  to really be actively involved with A.C.E  a couple of years ago.  Anyway, on to the fun part.  Since part of Rick's team with be coming through the town, Invermere has been chosen for  an end of the day celebration spot.   A.C.E  is organizing what is planned to be a  fun, nighttime event on Friday, April 13, 2012, that will raise awareness about disabilities and barriers in the community  Like I said, Rick has supporters running with him.  They are medal bearers.  And guess what?  You could be on of them.  All you need to do is go to the Rick Hansen website (http://www.rickhansenrelay.com/).  Once you get on the website, there will be a tab that says read more.  Click that, and once you get there, scroll down a ways until you get to a blue tab that says Relay Contest.  Click the little yellow arrow.   It will take you to a link that says "you don't need to Cross the world to make a difference, just 250 kilometres across your community."    Under that click enter contest.  It's pretty self explanatory from there.  You need to follow four simple steps to tell a bit about yourself.  I really encourage you to join us.  Another thing I encourage you to do is nominate someone who you think would qualify as a "difference maker"  in Invermere.   This would be someone who you think gives a lot to the community and makes differences in peoples lives. This can be anyone, not just people who help people with disabilities.  Someone who makes Invermere a special place to live.   This special person will run the last leg of the race and wear the last medal.  They will be rewarded with a little speech made about them, so whoever you pick, make sure you state a good reason why.  I  hope lots of you will join us in this celebration.  We hope to make it quite the event.  Everyone should be aware of not only the things that we have to work on, like accessibility, but also, the things that we have achieved.  There are so many deserving people in this valley.  That is what makes it a special place.  If you live in Invermere, and you have an idea of  who a difference maker might be, email me at katers95@yahoo.ca. We are aiming to have all nominees in by November 3.  I have personally met Rick Hansen when I was at the Paralympics, and a lot of adults I've talked to, heard of, or went to inspiring speeches and conferences of his.  His is truly an inspiring man, and has every right to be celebrated.  We're excited to have you all join in with us to make this town a better and better place, and celebrate someone who has inspired everyone!  Thank you!