Hansen Fever Hits Penticton
EDITOR’S NOTE: In recognition of Canada’s 150th anniversary, The Herald is reprinting historic stories from the South Okanagan focusing on the biggest news story of each year.
MAY 12, 1987 – Threatening skies and an hour’s delay didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the crowds which turned out to see Rick Hansen on his arrival in Penticton Monday afternoon.
The fever reached a peak when the community’s total of $75,000 “and still climbing” was presented to Hansen’s fund for spinal cord research.
Strong headwinds had put the Man in Motion behind schedule in his journey south from Kelowna. He arrived in Summerland about an hour later than expected, but was greeted by a large crowd in Memorial Park.
Hansen received a $16,000 cheque from the community, a figure which represents more than $2 per person in Summerland.
Runners from the Penticton Pounders had a hard time keeping up with Hansen as he rolled down the highway to Penticton. While crowds lined Eckhardt Avenue, at King’s Park, hundreds of yellow balloons, ribbons and flags danced in the wind.
While the crowd waited until after 4 p.m. for Hansen’s arrival, emcee Grant Sherwood listed Hansen’s accomplishments as an athlete since 1971. As well as dozens of medals, Hansen competed successfully in 19 international marathons, in most cases breaking world records in wheelchair events. A roar of cheers and “We want Rick!” greeted Hansen as he entered King’s Park. Mayor Dorothy Whittaker, in officially greeting Hansen, called the Man in Motion tour a “passionate voyage of discovery.” “We understand you have wheeled nearly 40,000 kilometres, equivalent to the circumference of the earth,” she said to Hansen. But behind all the excitement is a “simple message” which has touched everyone, she said.
“We have each reacted to the depth of your goals. You have given new meaning to the Biblical phrase ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Hansen was then awarded the city’s highest honour, the Order of the Peach.
As a finale, Man in Motion committee members, headed by Gordie Gordon, were introduced. The total of $75,126 brought a new round of cheers.