Record Setting Event: $81,000 Raised for Conservation
and Spinal Cord Injury
Vancouver, BC – The 3rd Annual Rick Hansen Sturgeon Classic
on October 17th was an event of records, selling out with 68
participants on 17 exclusive teams fishing the Harrison River.
Funds raised will support sturgeon conservation, spinal cord
injury (SCI) quality of life initiatives and research leading
to a cure.
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It was also a record day for rainfall
in BC presenting additional challenges for participants
to contend with. Overcoming the elements, Jay Heerens
fishing with Blue Streak-Hygrade Motor Products, tagged
and released the winning catch – a tournament
record 221cm sturgeon. |
The secret to any great success is the work of a great team.
This was the case with the winning team from Merlin Plastics:
Tony Moucachen, Mike Valois, Guy West, and Mike Harvey, whose
four largest fish totaled a whopping 651cm (198cm, 170cm,
162cm, and 121cm.) Congratulations!
In thanking the participants and supporting partners, Rick
Hansen, who is volunteer Chair of the Fraser River Sturgeon
Conservation Society as well as President & CEO of the
Rick Hansen Man In Motion Foundation, said “I truly
appreciate your participation in the Sturgeon Classic. Thanks
to your support, we raised $37,000 this year in support of
our mission. By working together, we can ensure the survival
of this tremendous species for generations to come and make
a difference in the lives of others.”
Inspired by Hansen’s work and having a strong commitment
to the cause, Presenting Partner, Barton Insurance made a
surprise presentation of an additional $40,000 in support
of the Foundation’s mission.
Hansen, came to the world’s attention during his Man
In Motion World Tour (1985-87), becoming the only person to
travel the circumference of the globe in a wheel chair. He
has gone on to create the Rick Hansen Man In Motion Foundation
to accelerate improvements to the quality of life for people
with spinal cord injuries and support research ultimately
leading to a cure. To date, Rick Hansen’s work has impacted
spinal cord research and initiatives by millions.
This year’s event brings Hansen’s dream closer
to reality with over $75,000 raised in support of SCI. An
additional $4,000 will support the work of the Fraser River
Sturgeon Conservation Society.
“Let’s keep the dream alive,” Hansen said.
“The end of the Man In Motion World Tour was just the
beginning. I believe our best work is yet to come.”
Media Contact: Sarah Sugiyama (604) 709-6329
www.rickhansen.com
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