Massachusetts based companies, Vibram and Team Hoyt Running Chairs are collaborating to help individuals with disabilities experience the thrill of the race.
The story begins with Boston Legends, Dick and Rick Hoyt. Rick was diagnosed at birth as a spastic quadriplegic with cerebral palsy. In 1977, Rick asked his father if he would push him in a local charity run. That race sparked the beginning of the Inclusive Assisted Athletic Movement where able bodied athletes partner with athletes with disabilities to complete events from 5ks to Ironman triathlons.
- Published in Press Releases
Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon 2016
If you have never thought about running a marathon, put the Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon on your list. Yes, I said ‘never’. 8 months ago, I was barely a novice runner and it wasn’t until I met Bob and Ia Hilliard, that they convinced me to run their Marathon. While it may be the toughest course in Ireland, or as the locals like to put it, “The Gentle Slopes of West Cork”, I promise, it is worth it.
The breathtaking scenic views, the smell of the ocean, the multi-colored ponies, the castles, and going “down the rabbit hole” that is Rathbarry, the scenes are out of a fairytale. But it was the people who truly made the experience one of the most inspiring and motivating trips of my life.
- Published in Our Friends
100km de Millau Marie Jo and Phil
On Saturday September 24, 2016, Phil Kaminski and his wife, Marie Jo, will compete in the 100km de Millau, France’s most famous and oldest 100 km race! The two of them will race along the Tarn, make a round trip between Millau and Saint-Affrique, and pass under the Milau Viaduct. They will take in all the sights, and experiences together, as Marie Jo is pushed in a Team Hoyt Running Chair by Phil.
- Published in Our Friends
Pitbull Love
Hello Everyone, meet Daisy! Daisy is a 4 year old, pure-bred, American Staffordshire Terrier. She is a foster pup from the organization, Last Hope K9, and has been in my care for almost one year now. Daisy loves coming to the Shop at Southbridge Tool and Manufacturing. She gets to play with all her buddies (Mike and my Father), sit in on our meetings, and be a part of The Blade manufacturing process. From riding in the Blade, to testing out the most durable carrying bag materials, Daisy is always happy to help.
- Published in Our Friends
Triathlon Grand Villerupt
Triathlon Grand Villerupt 54
TGV54 is a group of adults and children who participate in Triathlons. They are located in Villerupt, in the region of Lorraine, along the France/ Luxembourg border.
My mother, my sister, Katie, and I were invited to Villerupt, France, to present 2 Blade Chairs to TGV54. The event took place at the City Hall of Villerupt. The Mayor of Villerupt- Monsieur Alain Casoni, Representatives of the Lion’s Club, Sponsors, members of TGV54, and local media were all present for the event.
- Published in Our Friends
Les P’tits Potos
Les P’tits Potos is a one-of-a-kind team in France. Les P’tits Potos translates to “The Little Buddies” and they are located just along the France / Luxembourg border.
We knew they were a special team even before meeting them over the summer of 2015. In any picture, whether running or posing, the members of Les P’tits Potos always look like they are having a great time! They are a team of around 200 members (growing over the span of 1 year) and in any race they work together and stay together as a pack.
- Published in Our Friends
Michael DiDonato
A few years ago I attended a sales and marketing seminar. The second image of the power point presentation was that of Rick and Dick Hoyt. The speaker gave us a little background of who they are and their accomplishments. Of course I was inspired.
A couple months later my family and I were walking into the grocery store. Just as we were entering, Dick Hoyt was leaving. He said hello to my wife and I, and gave a big smile to my daughter who was just a year old. I frantically told my wife, “That’s the guy from the seminar I was just at! You know the one that does the races with his son! I want to say something to him but I don’t want to bother him, he must have people approaching him all the time. “What should I do, Jenn?!”, she replied, “Well, whatever you do, you better do it quick because he’s getting in his van.” So I ran out to the parking lot with emotion welling up inside me and a lump in my throat. I was quickly trying to come up with something to say and not sound foolish.
- Published in Team Hoyt Running Chairs
Team Unstoppable
Michael DiDonato and Kyle Brodeur met in 2011 and started running 5K, 10K, and triathlon races. The two make up “Team Unstoppable” and their motto is “Never Stop Dreaming”.
Kyle Brodeur became paralyzed November 1, 1997 when a drunk driver hit their family’s mini van head on. The car accident killed Kyle’s father, Michael Brodeur instantly and left Kyle in a comatose state for a full year. He now has traumatic brain injury and has had 25 major surgeries. Before the car accident, Kyle was very athletic and loved all sports. Kyle was very fortunate when he met Mike DiDonato and he gave Kyle the opportunity to become an athlete again. Together they make up Team Unstoppable. Kyle chose this name because he feels as though through the years he has been unstoppable and never let his disability stop him from achieving his goals. Their quote “Never Stop Dreaming” was chosen because Kyle never stopped dreaming that one day he would become an athlete again.
- Published in Our Friends
We’ve had a BRAKE Through
You’ve asked and we have delivered! The Blade now comes standard with a disc brake. With the click of a simple lever, the disc brake can act as a drag brake to assist in slowing the chair down hills, and a parking brake. It’s a quality bicycle part that we have adapted to our running chairs.
- Published in Team Hoyt Running Chairs
brettapproved
We hope everyone had a nice (chilly!) weekend! Did you travel somewhere new to race? Did you have a big event and meet some fun people!? With the Blade being built to travel, we want to hear your stories of your AWESOME weekend. If you loved it, maybe someone else will want to check it out…
We’ve recently discovered brettapproved, a travel review site for people who need accessible travel accommodations.
We believe you will find this site useful for when you travel to races, or welcome others to your local events. You can search reviews and leave a review for hotels, restaurants, entertainment centers, ground transportation and more. As well as leave reviews of the accessibility of your favorite spots so we can all travel confidently.
- Published in Our Friends