11 February, 2015
Elmwood Elementary School in Hopkinton is excited to announce that Rick and Dick Hoyt will be visiting our second and third grade students to share their message that "Together - You Can Do Anything!" This visit is sponsored by the Hopkinton parent Teacher Association, and will provide an opportunity for students to hear Rick and Dick's story up close and personal. The event takes place on Tuesday, March 3rd at 1:10 PM in the Elmwood School Gymnasium. This event is also open to the Parents of Elmwood students and invited guests.
Rick Hoyt uses a wheelchair. That has not stopped him from living a very full and amazing life. He, along with his dad, Dick, have formed “Team Hoyt” and they have competed around the world doing marathons and triathlons. The Hoyts have competed in over 1100 athletic events in the last 34 years. They have run in 71 marathons - 32 of them being the Boston Marathon. They have also completed in 252 triathlons, 6 of them being Ironman distance events. Dick, 74, is a retired Lt. Colonel, having served in the military for 35 years. Rick, 53, is a graduate of Boston University with a degree in Special Education.
Rick was born in 1962 as a spastic quadriplegic with cerebral palsy and as a non-speaking person – but despite these disabilities, Rick’s mind and spirit have always been strong. His family supported his quest for independence and inclusion in community, sports, education and the workplace, culminating with his graduation from Boston University.
Dick travels the country doing corporate and community presentations, educating the public about disability awareness and promoting the Team Hoyt motto, “Yes You Can”. Through his presentation, Dick shares his lifelong commitment to changing attitudes and educating others on the world of disabilities. He and his family have seen an impact from their efforts in the area of public attitude toward people with disabilities.
You may visit their website to learn more about their story and see many pictures of their journey through their 34 years of racing.
