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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGoderich Signal Star, 2011-12-07, Page 15al -Star • Wednesday, December 7, 2011 MAI([{AWIs H Cui iuda 1freuust> some it ishes ('(1,1 't wait it `o, someday. www.mukuawish.c•sc 144MS-822-94 7 i yr Dortikilque M1*urn riodench S ai-Star A collection of stores horn the day the F3 tornado struck Gooier ic_ t 1 r v 41 AUNCH AND SIGNING • kerror its • . • The Rick Hansen Relay Tour made a special stop at Goderich District Colle- giate Institute December, 2 where a relay team shared Rick Hansen's original and ongoing message of hope and inspira- tion in the face of adversity. Beginning on August 24, 2011 in Cape Spear, Newfoundland and Labrador - the easternmost point in North America own' gigco• ric ould like to thank those companies, individuals c1 $ . ered or offered their assistance, expertise and resources own of Goderich and area during and, after the destruction caused the F3 tornado that struck the Town of Goderich and neighbouring communities on August 21, 201l. ith this su prim and the future planning and rehabilitation efforts that will occur, the Town of Goderich will recover stronger than ever. i(talcs toall. Mayor lett' a 1, 0 eric•/t Town Council, Staffand the Emergency Operations Control Group and approximately 15 kilometres south- east of St. John's - the 25th Anniversary Relay began to retrace the Canadian segment of the original Man In Motion World Tour, but this time one man in motion is represented and celebrated by many; engaging 7,000 participants from across Canada who have made their own difference in the lives of others. "Fifteen months ago I had full mobil- ity," said Medal -bearer Tyrone Henry. 'I,hen, I got into a car accident and suf- fered a spinal chord injury. I'm a para- plegic, so I.. can move or feel my legs. Since then, I made decisions very early on that no matter what challenges 1 faced, or what obstacles, I would stay positive and do everything I can to over- come those uphill challenges." Henry's message, inspiringin its own right, was applicable to each member of. the audience, who have experienced their community rise up to challenges brought forth by the August tornado. Goderich Councillor Judy Crawford took part in a Rick Hansen Relay run staged in London earlier this year. She said it's played a role in her drive to ensure rebuilding Goderich includes accessibility. "It's amazingto be a part of this incredible and emotional tour. 1 was asked by McDonald's to represent theme in the Relay, and I was very honoured too do that It was a pretty incredible moment. (Tyronej was behind me all the way while I did my 250 -metres, and the one thing that I want to tell you is because of this tornado in our town we have the opportunity to work on making our communfty far more accessible than it was before August 21, and that's some- thing that we're working on, and I think Rick Hansen would be thrilled to know that we are doing that very thing," Craw- ford said. This week, the Rick Hansen Relay is winding its way through Guelph, Aurora, Bradford, then on to Barrie. Rick travelled 40,000 kilometres around the world to raise money and awareness of spinal cord, injury 25 years ago. He now plays a leading role in a number ofspinal cord injury, accessibil- ity and inclusivity initiatives, including the work done at the Rick Hansen Foun- dation. Because of his commitments, he is unable to travel along with the entire relay but will be making appearances at certain parts along the Relay. Hansen's journey inspired the 1985 Billboard hit "St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)," which was originally written by David Foster and John. Parr for Hansen, and later used as the theme wing for the film St. Elrno's. Fire. Learn more about the relay at www. rickhansenrel ay.com. 25th Anniversary relay fast facts • Began on August 24, 2011 in Cape Spear, Newfoundland and Labrador and concludes in Vancouver, British Columbia on May 22, 2012. • Fully recreates the original Man In Motion cross -Canada tour, spanning 12,000 kilometres from coast-to-coast. • Will travel through over 600 communities, visit every capital city and all provinces and territories and reach more than 70% of the Canadian population. • Will engage approximately 7,000 Medal -Bearers - difference makers in their own right - who will collectively cover an average of 40 to 80 kilometres a day, making their way across the country passing a singular Rick Hansen Medal to the next Medal -Bearer.