Dick and Rick Hoyt are a father-and-son team from Massachusetts who together compete just about continuously in marathon races. And if they're not in a marathon they are in a triathlon - that daunting, almost superhuman, combination of 26.2 miles of running, 112 miles of bicycling, and 2.4 miles of swimming. Together they have climbed mountains, and once trekked 3,735 miles across America.
It's a remarkable record of exertion - all the more so when you consider that Rick can't walk or talk.
For the past twenty five years or more Dick, who is 65, has pushed and pulled his son across the country and over hundreds of finish lines. When Dick runs, Rick is in a wheelchair that Dick is pushing. When Dick cycles, Rick is in the seat-pod from his wheelchair, attached to the front of the bike. When Dick swims, Rick is in a small but heavy, firmly stabilized boat being pulled by Dick.
At Rick's birth in 1962 the umbilical cord coiled around his neck and cut off oxygen to his brain. Dick and his wife, Judy, were told that there would be no hope for their child's development. Read the rest of this heartwarming story at: www.teamhoyt.com
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THE HOYT FOUNDATION INC.
The Hoyt Foundation Inc is a non profit organization formed in 1989 with a mission to build the individual character, self confidence, and self-esteem of America's disabled young people through inclusion in all facets of daily life including in family and community activities, especially sports, at home, in schools and in the workplace. The Foundation also provides advice, financial support and/or equipment to groups that share their mission and passion. Some groups that have benefitted from our donations are Easter Seals of MA., Challenged Athletes Foundation, Pioneer Valley Therapeutic Riding, and Kamp for Kids. To find out how you can make a donation or for more info on our Foundation, you may visit our website or email us for a brochure and info.
IRONMAN HALL OF FAME AWARD
Dick and Rick were inducted into the Ford Ironman World Championship Hall of Fame on October 12, 2008 during the awards ceremony for the 30th anniversary of the Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii. They have joined an elite group of 27 athletes, including Scott Tinley, Paula Newby Fraser and Dave Scott. Rick is the first disabled athlete to be inducted into this group, and he gave a very moving acceptance speech during the award ceremony. Dave McGillivray is the person that nudged them into trying triathlons back in 1985, so they are very grateful to Dave for his support over all these year.
SECOND BOOK DUE OUT IN 2010
Team Hoyt is very pleased to be working with Don Yaeger, a four-time New York Times best selling author and long time associate editor of Sports Illustrated, on their second book, due to come out in the spring of 2010. Don has already written 16 books, so we are very excited that he contacted us, wanting to tell our story. The book will include a section on many of the emails and letters that we have received from others that have been inspired by our story, in hopes that their stories will also inspire you. You can keep an eye on our website for more info on the release of this new book, tentatively being called "Devotion".
"Spirit of Independence Award"
PetroSun Independence Bowl officials were please to announce "Team Hoyt" as the 2008 recipient of the Omar N. Bradley "Spirit of Independence Award." Since its inception in 1978, this honor has been bestowed upon outstanding American citizens and organizations which symbolize the spirit of freedom and independence on which our country was founded. Past recipients of this award have included Ronald Reagan, Art Linkletter, and Danny Thomas. The 2008 PetroSun Independence Bowl took place on Sunday, Dec. 28 in Shreveport, LA.Team Hoyt was presented with the "Spirit of Independence Award" at halftime to rousing applause and a standing ovation. UPCOMING RACE EVENTS FOR 2009
Details on all these events can be found on the Team Hoyt website calendar
March 15 - New Bedford Half Marathon April 5 - Half Marathon - Westfield, MA April 20 - Team Hoyt's 27th Boston Marathon (Race 1000) May 21 Team Hoyt 5K Road Race Waltham, MA May 31 - Triathlon Ludlow, MA June 21 - 5 Mile Race Children's Museum North Easton, MA August 9 - Team Hoyt's 30th Falmouth Road Race August 22 - Timberman Sprint Triathlon - NH September 6 - Rock N Roll Half Marathon Virginia Beach September 27 - Forrest Memorial 5K Race - Marlboro, MA October 4 - Easter Seals Walk - Springfield, MA
JOIN TEAM HOYT TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE HOYT FOUNDATION
Every year we have teams that join us for the Boston Marathon in April and in Virginia Beach on Labor Day weekend for the Rock N Roll Half Marathon. These teams pledge to raise money for the Hoyt Foundation. For being a part of our team, they receive a Team Hoyt tee shirt, race singlet and jacket, and are invited to the pasta dinner with Team Hoyt the night before the race. We also have a great party on the beach after the Rock N Roll half marathon. For more info on joining either of these teams please email us, and we will put you in touch with our charity team race director.
Email -
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Rick's email -
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Website - www.teamhoyt.com Fax 413-245-9554 Phone 413-245-9466 Mail -Team Hoyt 241 Mashapaug Road Holland, MA 01521
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Dick and Rick Hoyt are a father-and-son team from Massachusetts who together compete just about continuously in marathon races. And if they're not in a marathon they are in a triathlon - that daunting, almost superhuman, combination of 26.2 miles of running, 112 miles of bicycling, and 2.4 miles of swimming. Together they have climbed mountains, and once trekked 3,735 miles across America. 
