Rick Hansen continues to rally Ottawa 25 years to the day after his Man in Motion tour stopped by, bringing 200 runners for another relay on Friday.
Hansen said the 2011 version of the tour is celebrating success and strides that have been made since 1986, while focusing on ways to make society more accessible.
"If we work together, if all of us do one small act together we have the power to change everything," he said.
Ottawa's mayor said he wants to keep that inspirational spirit going.
"We'll do our part to ensure that we become the most accessible city in the world," said Jim Watson, who declared Friday Rick Hansen Day in Ottawa.
Hansen said he's meeting thousands of new people on this tour, many of who weren't alive for his original tour.
"My mom is actually hearing impaired so I know how hard it can be to live with a disability," said Grade 10 student Jingxuan Chen. "I think it's great what he has done for people who are disabled."
"I've been working with people with disabilities for years and just being able to give back to the community that has given me so much really means a lot," said Kyle Humphrey. "Meeting Rick who inspired me through that means so much more."
One of the thousands of participants across the country was Richard Perrin, who said Hansen's journey helped him rehab from a broken back as he learns to walk again.
"I'm so thankful for what Rick did 25 years ago, that has made a really hard road for me so much easier," he said. "It feels magical, it's great to participate."
Hansen said he plans to be back in Ottawa in 2036 for the 50th anniversary of his tour.
The relay heads through Carleton Place, Franktown and Smiths Falls Saturday.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Vanessa Lee
