Rick Hansen Relay gets ready to stop in Nelson, starting at Balfour
By Nelson Daily Staff
In just over a week the Rick Hansen Relay will make its stop in the Nelson area.
Nelson Sports Council organizers have released the schedule of events beginning with the arrival of the torch Thursday (April 19) at the Balfour Ferry landing.
Arrival time is 1 p.m.
The next three days is filled with events and relays as Rick Hansen, who 25 year ago started his Man in Motion Tour, continues his journey to make the world more accessible.
The recent Hansen tour began August 24, 2011 in Cape Spear, Newfoundland and Labrador – the easternmost point in North America and approximately 15 kilometres south-east of St. John’s.
The Anniversary Relay will retrace the Canadian segment of the original Tour, but this time one man in motion will be represented and celebrated by many in motion; engaging 7,000 participants from across Canada who have made their own difference in the lives of others.
Some of the event details include:
Event Details
School District #8 Celebration/Education NDCC 12:30-1:30pm
Educating a whole new generation about spinal cord injury and accessibility is the opportunity of the Rick Hansen Relay. School district teachers have taken this message to the classrooms and as a highlight are marching or bussing their medal-clad classes down to the NDCC earlier on the day of the Relay. The message will be short but to the point about injury prevention and awareness about living with disabilities. Police Chief Holland will address the classes and also present the awards for the Community Difference Makers.
Community Difference Makers Awards – April 19th 1pm
Inspired by the Rick Hansen Many in Motion theme, the Balfour and Nelson Relay committees have taken the opportunity to thank and publicly appreciate our very own local Difference Makers. Gathered at the respective community celebrations, these community dedicated folks will be awarded the Rick Hansen medallion for their contribution to their communities.
Balfour event will be at the Balfour Firehall BBQ at 1:30pm and the Nelson presentation shall be at the lunchtime School District event at the NDCC at 1pm prior to the main event at 4:30pm.
Live Laneway– NDCC parking lot April 19th 4:30pm
Local teams, clubs and individuals will be lining the NDCC parking lot laneway to create a celebratory “tunnel” to cheer on our final Medal Bearer Ed Natashak to the stage.
Everyone is invited to participate – just need to arrive around 4:30pm at the parking lot, wearing team jerseys if so wish. Some teams are bringing hockey sticks, boat oars, and other such equipment to create the tunnel of support.
Rick Hansen Stage presentation – NDCC entrance Thursday April 19th 5-5:30pm
This short show will celebrate the message of the Rick Hansen Relay.
Including acknowledgements, medal presentation, and very short speeches.
Activities and fun – NDCC indoor concourse and arena Thursday April 19th 5:30-7:30pm
The after show activities are to continue the celebration of the event. The live band P.A.N.D.A is playing on the concourse while free public skate and medal making, cake eating and Luminous Fractal & Sacred Hands juggling show goes on.
Community Day with Rick Hansen Team – NDCC Friday April 20th
Open to all youth the day with be housed at the complex including Road hockey in the parking lot and a Movie in the Multi Purpose room
Movie Freedom Chair starring Paralympian sit skier Josh Dueck.
Showings of the movie will be hourly between 10-2pm
Road Hockey Arrive 9:30am – last game 1:30pm
3 a side (+goalie)
Divisions: Age 8-12yrs and 13-17yrs.
30 min games
Max 12 teams per division. Pre registration @ [email protected]
Schedule 10am-1:30pm
Draw for final game to play Rick Hansen team.
Team Face-painting done by Rick Hansen Team
