Fathers typically like to play sports with their sons. They play basketball, baseball, football, and participate in various other sports together. But one father/ son team has taken it to a new level.
Dick and his son, Rick, have participated over the years in 229 triathlons, 66 marathons- including 26 Boston Marathons, 212 10K races, 108 5K races, and many other races. They have also biked and ran across the US- 3735 miles- in 45 consecutive days. The accomplishments of this dynamic duo go on and on.
But that's only half of the story. You see, Rick Hoyt was born as a quadriplegic with cerebral palsy. He does not have the ability to speak. When a student in Rick's school was paralyzed, the school held a five mile race to raise money for him. Rick told Dick that he wanted to race. So Dick did race, all the while pushing Rick in his wheelchair. And with that first race, team Hoyt was born.
With the help of specially designed wheelchairs, and bikes, Dick competes in races with Rick in tow. For the running part, Dick pushes Rick in a special wheelchair. For the biking part, Rick rides on the handlebars of Dick's bike. And for the swimming part, Dick tows Rick in a raft behind him. Team Hoyt, as they're called, apparently inspire each other. Rick says his dad is his role model. Dick says that it's Rick that inspires him, "the way he just loves sports and competing."
Team Hoyt live in Massachusetts. Dick is retired lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard. Rick works for Boston College in their computer laboratory. They travel together giving motivational speeches across the country. And, of course, they still race.
by Markay Auen.
I was researching an article for my website, http://medicalcushions.com/ when I came across the web site of these guys. I was so touched by their devotion to each other, I just simply felt compelled to write an article about them. They have really inspired me to strive to be a better person. You can learn more about Team Hoyt at http://teamhoyt.com/
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