Team Hoyt is my nominee for True American Heroes.
Richard Hoyt’s story is remarkable and inspirational. Sports Illustrated called him a “strong dad.” Dick has pushed Rick in a specially made wheelchair and specially made bikes in triathlons and marathons. This year will mark the 30th time Dick (and Rick) has run the Boston Marathon. Dick is now 71. Rick is 49. The following are answers to questions posed to Dick Hoyt.
Question: Many of the finalists in America Inspired have had to deal with overwhelming obstacles. What is the greatest challenge you have faced and how did you deal with it?
Answer: "The doctors said to forget Rick and put him away in an institution. They said Rick would be nothing but a vegetable for the rest of his life. We have brought him up like any other child and he went on to graduate from Boston University and is leading a productive life.”
Question: America Inspired is a contest that honors people who are making a difference in their communities. Tell us how you make a difference and what inspires you.
Answer: “Rick is the person that inspires me the most. Rick is making a difference all over the world. As mentioned, he graduated from high school and Boston University and lives all by himself in his own apartment. Has care attendants that come in to take care of his needs. From Rick and I starting out running and doing triathlons together 33 years ago, there are now 17 chapters formed in the USA and one in Japan that have started doing what Rick and I do. “
Question: All finalists in the America Inspired contest have a chance at winning a $50,000 Grand Prize. If you were to win the money, what would you do with it?
Answer: “The money would go to our non- profit organization, the Hoyt Foundation - which donates to organizations in Massachusetts that help bring special needs persons to summer camp, and therapeutic horseback riding, and also to fund augmentative communication devices like Rick's.”
Question: What advice do you typically give to others?
Answer: “Our message is “YES YOU CAN" - there is no such word as “can't" in the Hoyt vocabulary. If you want to achieve something just set a goal and work for it."
Question: Who has been the most inspirational person to you?
Answer: “To me, my son Rick Hoyt is the most inspirational person in the world.”
Question: How can other people get involved or give to your cause?
Answer: “People can get involved by raising funds for our Hoyt Foundation, so that we can make more donations to worthy organizations for special needs people in this area.”
From Jo Levy: I urge you to watch these videos:
CAN - World Strongest Dad Please watch this and vote for Richard Hoyt. I guarantee tears and goose bumps.
Today's Heroes - A father's love for his son
MSNBC Today Show
Thank you to Dick Hoyt and those behind the scenes at Team Hoyt for this interview.
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