Encouragement from the Man in Motion

Canada’s Man in Motion offered some words of encouragement to farmers this week.

Rick Hansen spoke at a Farm Credit Canada forum in Lethbridge. Hansen has been confined to a wheelchair for much of his life.  In 1985 and 1986 he wheeled through 34 countries, more than 40,000 kilometers and raised $26 million for spinal cord research.  Since then he’s raised more than $200 million through a foundation he created for spinal cord research projects. He showed that when the going gets tough, the tough get going.

“We all have hopes and dreams,” said Rick Hansen. “We work hard, adversity happens and it’s our attitude that really makes the difference. The ability to learn, to grow, to take risks and to ultimately make a difference.”

Professional tornado hunter Greg Johnson also spoke at the FCC Forum. He has witnessed many tornadoes including devastating F5 tornadoes as well as smaller ones.

“F1s, F0s that destroy a farmyard, rip a person’s life apart, destroy a shelterbelt here or there, destroy a house. Whether it’s a small tornado in rural Saskatchewan or whether it’s something that’s happened in the U.S. midwest, the people who are affected by it are equally devastated,” Johnson said.
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He has seen cars and trucks in the air and buildings and communities ripped apart, however he said people are strong.

“What is always amazing to me,” Johnson said,  “is how communities come together in times of disaster.”

Rick Hansen added it’s important to know you’re not alone. He said there are many amazing people who support each other.   He appreciated being asked to speak at the Farm Credit Canada forum.

“It’s a chance for me to say thanks to the agricultural community for their support on my journey,” said Hansen, “also helping members who have had various disabling conditions get back to the life they love and know they’re surrounded by a community that wants to remove barriers.”

Hansen said we’ve come a long way. From the 1988 Calgary Olympics where there were no events for disabled athletes, to 2010 when he carried the Olympic Flame into BC Place in Vancouver, to this month and the Paralympic Games in Sochi.

He believes attitude is everything when overcoming challenges and achieving success. Hansen’s address emphasized the importance of dreaming big, working through obstacles and making a difference in the lives of others.