Hansen, who sustained a spinal cord injury at the age of 15 which left him paralysed from the waist down, had a dream to make the world a place more accessible and inclusive for all. This dream led to the Man in Motion World Tour in 1985, which saw him wheel through 34 countries over four continents, a tour which took more than two years. Each day he completed more than two marathons and covered 40,000km.
Western Bulldogs Chief Executive, Simon Garlick expressed on behalf of the entire Club that it was an honour to have Hansen visit the Club. “Obviously the Club is incredibly proud to host Rick as he has given his life to working to improve the world for all and his achievements are truly remarkable.”
“We are delighted to make him an honorary Western Bulldogs Member and welcome him to Whitten Oval,” he said.
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Hansen spoke of his excitement about returning to Australia to see the developments in accessibility that have taken place since his last visit. He also mentioned that he was looking forward to visiting a Club that is also dedicated to the development of healthy communities.
“It is indeed an honour to be welcomed into the Western Bulldogs family. As an organisation that is dedicated to contributing to the ongoing development of healthy and sustainable communities, the Western Bulldogs are a testament to how sport can be a powerful catalyst for positive change.”
“As I return to Australia to celebrate the achievements that have been made over the last 25 years in the areas of accessibility and inclusivity, I am equally encouraged to be joining forces with an organisation that shares our vision of healthy engaged communities led by a new generation of difference makers,” Hansen said.
