Team Hoyt: An Inspiration
The Hoyt’s story is about sacrifice. The Hoyt’s story is about faith. The Hoyt’s story is about overcoming obstacles. Most of all, the Hoyt’s story is about love. A love so inspiring it will change your life.
Due to oxygen deprivation at the time of his birth, Rick Hoyt became a quadriplegic with cerebral palsy. His parents, Dick and Judy Hoyt, were advised to institutionalize Rick because he would never recover or live a “normal” life. However, Dick and Judy had faith in their son. Soon after, Dick and Judy realized that Rick’s limitations were purely physical and Rick was in fact intelligent.
For years, Rick’s parents fought to get him into public school for a decent education to no avail. After some basic home schooling to prove his intelligence, Rick was finally admitted. During this time a group of engineers designed an interactive computer for Rick to communicate. Rick could highlight letters of the alphabet and tap with his head to spell words.
Once in school Rick excelled. After high school Rick attended Boston University and graduated with his degree in Special Education.
Years ago Rick told his father Dick he wanted to be a part of a 5-mile charity run for a local paralyzed athlete. Dick wasn’t a long-distance runner but he agreed to push Rick in his wheelchair. Although they nearly finished the run in last place, Rick told his dad “when I’m running, it feels like I’m not handicapped.”
For the love of his son, Dick began to train for races. Now, Dick and Rick are known as Team Hoyt. Team Hoyt has completed over 1,000 races including marathons, duathlons, and triathlons. Six of these were Ironman competitions!
Dick runs, bikes, and swims with Rick by his side with custom made equipment. Dick has hopes to run the Boston Marathon with his son this year at 70 years old.
Team Hoyt lives by the motto “yes you can!” Together, Team Hoyt educates society about people with disabilities and strongly encourages people living with disabilities to become active members of the community.