Twenty-five years after the original Man in Motion Tour made its way across Canada, the man behind the relay is back in Alberta.
In 1985, Rick Hansen's inspirational relay wheeled through 34 countries in 26 months in an effort to raise awareness about spinal cord injuries and those with disabilities - that message hasn't changed much.
CTV News caught up with Hansen as the anniversary tour made its way through Leduc, Beaumont before heading to Edmonton later Monday afternoon.
"Probably the most heartwarming part for me is having the chance to introduce our story and our continuing journey to the next generation of Canadians and young people around the world," Hansen said at a stop in Beaumont.
At the start of the tour in Cape Spear NL, Hansen shared his excitement about this relay. "It's not one guy going across the country on his own, it's 7,000 people representing millions of Canadians and their shared values for a healthy and inclusive world."
More than seven thousand Canadians are helping Hansen recreate the final leg of his anniversary journey. The relay will cover between 40 to 80 kilometres a day, with each participant averaging 250 metres.
The Rick Hansen Foundation takes a collaborative approach when it comes to improving the lives of people with spinal cord injuries. Their goal is to unify organizations, leaders and individuals to build an inclusive society not just with making physical accessibility, but where the perceptions about people with disabilities also changes.
$26 million raised during the original run has blossomed to more than $245 million and goes towards improving the lives of Canadians with spinal cord injuries through funding research and advocacy.
Hansen appeared in the Alberta Legislature Monday, and was slated to drop the puck at the Oilers game Monday night.
CTV Morning Live anchor Rob Williams had a one-on-one interview with Hansen, it will air on CTV Morning Live Tuesday.
With files from Ashley Molnar
