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
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
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