Once in a blue moon, a human story has the ability to touch a person’s heart. One such story revolves around a young man named Rick Hoyt.
Rick Hoyt was born in 1962 to Dick and Judy Hoyt. He was born a spastic quadriplegic with cerebral palsy. The doctors at the time suggested to Rick’s parents Rick would be better off placed in an institution. Rick’s parents did not agree and brought him home.
While at home Rick enjoyed playing different sports including swimming and street hockey. Rick also enjoyed spending quality time with his family. At age 12 Rick was fitted with a device that enabled him to speak. A few years later Rick heard about a 5 mile race being put together to help a paralysed athlete.
Rick told his father about the race, and his desire to participate. His dad agreed and together they completed the race with Rick’s father pushing the wheelchair the entire 5 miles.
This race was followed by 37 years of participating in marathon races and six Ironman competitions.
These feats are rarely achieved by able-bodied athletes. Rick Hoyt and his family showed the world that a person with severe disabilities can compete at many levels.