Meritorious Service Medal

• Awarded on: September 26, 2002
• Invested on: December 05, 2003

Mike Nemesvary, M.S.M., Ottawa, Ontario
Meritorious Service Medal (civil division)

Having sustained a spinal injury during a training accident, former world champion skier Mike Nemesvary became, in October 2001, the first quadriplegic to drive around the world to raise funds for spinal cord research and rehabilitation. The six-month, more than 40,000 kilometres "Round the World Challenge" took Mr. Nemesvary through four continents. It also served to enhance public awareness on the difficulties faced by the physically impaired, and focus worldwide attention on the power of personal will which, coupled with technology, contributes greatly to people who live with disabilities acquiring freedom and independence.