Rick Hansen himself was on hand to open the Canada’s Man in Motion exhibition at the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin on Thursday, June 29.
The museum was packed with supporters, including Hansen’s past coaches and teachers Charlie Wyse, and Jack Burgar.
Wyse recalled Hansen and his basketball teammates Don Alder and Randy Brink who were on the fishing trip before Hansen was injured.
“Rick, right from the get-go had leadership ability,” said Wyse.
He described Hansen as a natural athlete. Wyse stayed in touch with Hansen after his injury.
Don Alder was also at the opening, is now an accomplished musician and played a couple of songs before speeches took over the microphone.
Rick Hansen gave a heartfelt talk, thanking the community for their support in his recovery and during his Man in Motion World Tour. Hansen then asked all the teachers in the crowd from when he was in school to raise their hands, and then thanked them all for their role in helping him in finding a new path forward.
MLA Lorne Doerkson spoke, and so did city of Williams Lake mayor Surinderpal Rathor.
Williams Lake Stampede parade organizer Willie Dye presented both Rick Hansen and Don Alder with framed 2023 Stampede posters.
It was just two days past the 50-year anniversary of the day Hansen was injured in the crash on his way back from a fishing trip in Bella Coola with his high school teammates and friends Alder and Brink.
The exhibit at the museum is expected to be up until September and the museum is open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
READ MORE: Rick Hansen opens new elevator at Williams Lake Curling Centre
READ MORE: Rick Hansen returns home for Williams Lake Stampede Parade, 50 years since injury
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