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TORONTO, June 7 /CNW/ -WHAT: On Sunday, hundreds of people of all ages and abilities will participate in the 5th annual Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion, presented by Scotiabank. This national fundraiser raises awareness to help people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and to accelerate research into finding a cure. Participants will walk, wheel or run in support of SCI. The event includes a BBQ lunch, a wheelchair basketball challenge, a wheelchair obstacle course, a children's arts and crafts area and a children's obstacle course. Included in this year's event is the Wheelchair Relay where corporate and community teams of five individuals will wheel the course in a wheelchair, completing a series of skill-testing activities and tasks, helping to build understanding of the daily wheelchair challenges. WHO: Wheels in Motion Honourary Co-Chairman John Tory Wheels in Motion Honourary Co-Chairman Joe Brandt Event M.C Susan Hay, Global Television Rick Hansen Foundation Ambassadors Toronto Regional Police Local Scotiabank employees Torontonians of all ages Volunteers WHERE: The Docks Polson Pier WHEN: Sunday, June 10, 2007 8 a.m. Scotiabank and Community relay registration 8:50 a.m. DEMO: Toronto Regional Police compete against Scotiabank District Vice-Presidents 8:45 a.m. Scotiabank wheelchair relay challenge 9:30 a.m. Community wheelchair relay challenge 10 a.m. Corporate and walk/wheel registration 10:45 a.m. Opening ceremonies, hosted by Susan Hay 11 a.m. Start of wheel, walk or run on 1 km, 5 km or 10 km routes WHY: To raise awareness and funds to improve the quality of life of people with spinal cord injury, and for research leading to a cure.About Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion: Since its inception in 2003, Wheels In Motion has raised $5.6 million to support over 500 Quality of Life projects in communities across Canada and help launch the Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Injury Registry in acute care and rehabilitation centres throughout the country. Each year, Wheels In Motion brings us one step closer to achieving the goal of a fully accessible and inclusive Canada, and a cure for spinal cord injury. The Rick Hansen Foundation is particularly grateful to our Premier Partner, Scotiabank, for its outstanding commitment to making a difference in the lives of people with SCI and related disabilities. The Foundation recognizes and thanks the Canadian Paraplegic Association, Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association, and Canadian Wheelchair Basketball Association for their strong support as participants in and organizers of Wheels In Motion. About Scotiabank: Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad. Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic activities, in 2006 the Bank provided more than $42 million in sponsorships and donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas of healthcare, education, social services and arts and culture. Scotiabank is on the World Wide Web at www.scotiabank.com. Canadians can donate to Wheels In Motion online at www.rickhansen.com until June 30, 2007.
For further information: Livy Feldgajer, Scotiabank Public Affairs, (416) 866-6203, or livy_feldgajer@scotiacapital.com; Maureen Shaughnessy Kitts, (416) 322-5902, or maureenskitts@shaughnessy.com; For Information on the Rick Hansen Foundation please contact: Lorraine Wilson, (604) 351-9205, or lwilson@rickhansen.com