One of the traits that makes the Nelson area so great is the diversity of its people and their interests. For such a small community, the array of activities and individual pursuits are many.
But when it comes to celebrating community, it’s not difficult to pull together the eclectic for a few hours to rejoice as one. In recent years we’ve seen it with StreetFest, Hockey Day in Canada and the Olympic torch relay. Events that draw out a mixture of people en masse for a little bit of fun.
On Thursday the opportunity presents itself once again when the Many in Motion relay makes its way to the shoreline of Kootenay Lake. For months a specially made medal marking the 25th anniversary of Rick Hansen’s world tour for spinal cord research has been making its way across Canada. It has touched the hands of thousands of people from the Maritimes to northern British Columbia. Now it’s our turn.
It would be hard to find a Canadian who doesn’t know at least a little about Hansen. He’s a national icon who brought a message of perseverance and dedication to the world. In the process he raised a lot of money and has helped improve a lot of people’s lives. He has done it in a typically humble Canadian fashion which only serves to compound his legend.
Thursday will be a big day for those who have been chosen to be part of the medal relay. They will do their leg of the route with friends and family cheering them on. They will help leave the Nelson area’s mark on another important national event. We should all be out to take part in a day that will once again bring our diverse community together.
For a full schedule of the Many in Motion events check out page 26 of today’s paper.