‘Man in Motion’ is an inspiration

Press, 15 January 1986, Page 10

‘Man in Motion’ is an inspiration

A man whose courage and determination inspired the song, “St Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion),” which is rapidly climbing New Zealand charts, will visit the Tip Top-Blue Bird Country Fair Day between 1.30 and 3 p.m. at North Hagley Park this Sunday. Mr Rick Hansen, a paraplegic from Canada, is passing through New Zealand as part of a 40,000 km circumnavigation of the world, which started in Vancouver on March 21, last year. A world-class wheel-chair athlete, Mr Hansen, is making the 19-month trip to show the potential of the disabled, and to raise funds for spinal cord research and

rehabilitation. Mr Hansen was left paralysed in both legs at the age of 15 following a car accident while hitch-hiking home from a fishing trip. After a remarkable recovery he began coaching and using his wheel-chair in sports. He set his sights on a degree in physical education. Mr John Parr, the writer of “St Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion),” was inspired to write the song after hearing of Mr Hansen’s story. The song is chiefly about Mr Hansen’s lifetime struggle with his disability in order to make the best of what he had.

Nearing the end of the New Zealand part of his journey, Mr Hansen will make a guest appearance on the sound stage at the Country Fair Day between 1.30 and 3 p.m. The New Zealand Paraplegic and Physically Disabled Federation, which is assisting with the organisation of the New Zealand section of Mr Hansen’s tour, will have a tent at the Fair Day and will show a video made during an earlier part of Mr Hansen’s world tour. Mr Hansen will travel further south to Dunedin and return to Christchurch on January 22, and fly out to Sydney the following day.