New boat gives everyone, everywhere the chance to fish
Photo credits: Rick Hansen Foundation
A new, fully accessible boat, aptly named Everyone Everywhere, is removing barriers to the outdoors for people with disabilities in British Columbia.
Launched in May 2025 as part of the Rick Hansen Foundation’s Accessible Outdoors Program, the boat is a shining light for recreational inclusivity and accessibility.
The vessel is purpose-built with ramps, wider doors and windows, scissor lifts, an accessible washroom, and even adaptive fishing rods.
“The idea behind our accessible, custom-built boat Everyone Everywhere is to demonstrate that the outdoors belongs to everyone. It’s been incredible to see the impact this program has had already and I’m passionate about giving everyone the opportunity to experience the natural beauty that British Columbia has to offer,” says Rick Hansen.
For North Vancouver native Leo Sammarelli, who suffered a life-changing spinal cord injury in 2017, the chance to get out on the water and go fishing last October was a unique opportunity.
“Being on a fully accessible boat was freeing. It was amazing. I’ve never experienced anything like that before,” he says.
At the time of writing, Sammarelli is about to represent Team Canada in Para Nordic skiing at the 2026 Milano Cortina Paralympic Games. Competing in the Paralympics is a full circle moment for Sammarelli, who first got into sports as a teenager in southern Italy.
“It’s a surreal experience to reach a goal that I thought was almost impossible and prove to myself that I can compete at the top level again on a very high-performing Canadian team.”
Breaking down barriers for salmon
Rick Hansen has a deep-rooted passion for salmon and has supported the Pacific Salmon Foundation for decades. He has often said that fishing aided his recovery following the car crash that left him paralyzed aged 15.
Some of his career achievements include representing Canada in the Paralympics and the Man in Motion tour where he travelled 40,000 kilometres over 26 months in his wheelchair to create awareness of the potential of people with disabilities and to raise money to remove barriers.
“Fishing was a huge part of my rehabilitation journey; it helped me heal and become a champion of salmon and sturgeon conservation,” says Hansen.
9-year-old Simon and his family joined Rick twice on Everyone Everywhere to learn about sturgeon tagging and conservation efforts.
Over the years, Hansen has worked closely with government, scientists, anglers, and First Nations to conserve wild Pacific salmon and sturgeon. His passion for conservation has always been tied to his advocacy for accessibility.
“We are proud to partner with Pacific Salmon Foundation, the Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society and many others so that more people with disabilities can experience the outdoors, and like me, become champions of change to make a difference in creating healthier salmon populations,” says Hansen.
Like Rick Hansen, Leo Sammarelli says the outdoors is his freedom and therapy. Along with Nordic skiing, he also runs an adaptive boxing program in Vancouver and has scaled the Grouse Grind for charity.
“I don’t think about my paralysis or my wheelchair when I’m outdoors,” he explains. “I almost forget I’m in a wheelchair – skiing, fishing, that’s what it’s all about.”
The Rick Hansen Foundation Outdoor Accessibility Program is made possible through the support of The Peterson Family Foundation. PSF is a proud community partner along with Power To Be and the Fraser River Conservation Society.
