Rick Hansen Biography: Book, Awards, Wikipedia, Ethnicity, Nationality, Net Worth, Age, Parents, Wife, Children

Rick Hansen is a renowned Canadian athlete, activist, and philanthropist, best known for his remarkable achievements in wheelchair sports and his advocacy for people with disabilities.

Born on August 26, 1957, in Port Alberni, British Columbia, Hansen’s life took a turn at the age of 15 when he sustained a spinal cord injury in a tragic accident.

This life-changing event propelled him into a career dedicated to raising awareness about disability issues and promoting accessibility.

Profile

• Full name: Richard Marvin Hansen
• Date of birth: August 26, 1957
• Age: 68 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada
• Nationality: Canadian
• Profession: Athlete, activist, philanthropist
• Height: N/A
• Parents: Joan Hansen and Marvin Hansen
• Siblings: Brad Hansen, Cindy Hansen, and Christine Hansen
• Spouse: Amanda Reid (married October 1987)
• Children: Emma VandenBrink, Alanna Hansen and Rebecca Hansen
• Relationship status: Married
• Net worth: $10 million

Early Life and Education

Rick Hansen is now at the age of 68. He was born on August 26, 1957, in Port Alberni, British Columbia to parents Joan Hansen and Marvin Hansen.

Rick grew up in Williams Lake, where he was an active child who enjoyed sports such as volleyball, baseball, softball, and basketball. His love for outdoor activities was nurtured by his father and grandfather, who often took him fishing.

On June 27, 1973, after a fishing trip with a friend, Hansen was involved in a severe accident while hitchhiking home.

The driver lost control of the vehicle and rolled it over; Hansen was thrown from the truck and sustained a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Following this life-altering event, he underwent extensive rehabilitation and completed high school.

In September 1976, Hansen enrolled at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Initially denied entry into the physical education program due to his disability, he persisted and was eventually accepted. In 1986, he became the first student with a physical disability to graduate with a degree in physical education from UBC.

Personal Life

Rick Hansen married Amanda Reid in October 1987. Together they have three children. In 1990, their first daughter, Emma, was born. In 1992, their second daughter, Alanna, was born. In 1995, their third daughter, Rebecca, was born.

The couple shares a commitment to advocacy work through the Rick Hansen Foundation while balancing family life.

Hansen’s close relationship with his family has been a significant source of support throughout his journey. He often speaks about how their encouragement helped him overcome obstacles following his accident.

Career

Hansen’s athletic career began shortly after his injury when he met Stan Stronge, a leading para-athlete who encouraged him to participate in wheelchair sports. He quickly excelled in various disciplines, including wheelchair basketball and racing.

From 1979 to 1984, Hansen dominated wheelchair racing events and won six medals at the Paralympic Games—three golds, two silvers, and one bronze. He also won 19 international wheelchair marathons and three world championships during this period.

In addition to his success as an athlete, Hansen became an influential advocate for people with disabilities. Inspired by his friend Terry Fox’s determination to raise awareness for cancer research through his Marathon of Hope, Hansen embarked on his own initiative—the Man In Motion World Tour.

Starting on March 21, 1985, from Oakridge Mall in Vancouver, Hansen wheeled around the globe for over two years. His journey covered approximately 40,075 kilometers through 34 countries on four continents.

The tour aimed to demonstrate the potential of people with disabilities when barriers are removed and raised $26 million for spinal cord research and accessibility initiatives.

Hansen’s tour received widespread media attention and significantly changed public perceptions of individuals with disabilities. One notable highlight was his ascent of the Great Wall of China during the tour.

Throughout his career as an advocate and athlete, Hansen has received numerous accolades for his contributions to sports and disability rights. He was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2006 and has been recognized as one of Canada’s most influential figures.

Awards and Recognitions

• Companion of the Order of Canada
• Induction into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame (2006)
• Induction into the BC Sports Hall of Fame
• Lou Marsh Trophy for Canadian Outstanding Athlete of the Year (shared with Wayne Gretzky)
• Honorary doctorates from several Canadian universities
• Recipient of various humanitarian awards recognizing his advocacy work for people with disabilities

Net Worth

Rick Hansen’s estimated net worth is around $10 million. His wealth primarily comes from his successful athletic career, public speaking engagements, book sales, and philanthropic activities through the Rick Hansen Foundation.

Social Media

• Instagram: N/A
• Twitter: @RickHansen

Books

• Man In Motion (autobiography)