July 11, 1996 - 5:00pm
On July 12, 1996, Rick Hansen, returned to his birthplace, Vancouver Island, to visit Malaspina University-College's Nanaimo campus to learn about the research being done with the Fraser River sturgeon by Malaspina's aquaculture and fisheries program.
Hansen, who gained international attention in 1985 by wheeling himself 40,000 kilometres around the world through 34 countries in an effort to raise awareness of the potential of people with disabilities and in the process raised $24 million for a legacy to support spinal cord research, rehabilitation, wheelchair sport and awareness, has a keen interest in the Fraser River sturgeon as an indicator species as to how well the Fraser River is faring environmentally.
"Having been born and raised in British Columbia, and having lived near the Fraser River for most of my life, I have a real fascination for the sturgeon and an abiding interest in its protection, and the protection of the Fraser River," Hansen said.
According to Malaspina aquaculture and fisheries instructor, Gord Edmondson, Hansen was very excited to learn of the possible research on wild stock and the potential of fish culture for commercial and enhancement purposes.
"We had a very positive visit with Rick and invited him to attend the sturgeon workshop we're hosting in November," said Edmondson.
Rick has worked out of the University of British Columbia since 1989 addressing social change as it pertains to people with disabilities. Recently Rick created the Rick Hansen Centre at the University, an amalgamation of various entities with which he has been involved since his world tour. The centre's mandate is to assist individuals, organizations and communities achieve their goals, and thereby contribute to the quality of life in society.
He and his wife Amanda live in Vancouver and have three daughters.
Tags: In the Community
