Gator Times

Dick and Rick Hoyt are a father-and-son team from Massachusetts who together compete in marathon races. And if they’re not in a marathon they are in a triathlon — that daunting, almost superhuman, combination of 26.2 miles of running, 112 miles of bicycling, and 2.4 miles of swimming. It’s a remarkable record of exertion — all the more so when you consider that Rick can’t walk or talk. For the past twenty five years or more Dick, who is 65, has pushed and pulled his son across the country and over hundreds of finish lines. When Dick runs, Rick is in a wheelchair that Dick is pushing. When Dick cycles, Rick is in the seat-pod from his wheelchair, attached to the front of the bike. When Dick swims, Rick is in a small but heavy, firmly stabilized boat being pulled by Dick. Dick Hoyt of TEAM HOYT, will be speaking here in Gainesville on May 14th at 7PM. This is motivational/inspirational message for both sporting and non-sporting listeners. The themes are for inclusion of handicapped individuals and accomplishing our goals. The community-wide free event will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church. The facilities are handicapped accessible and the physically disabled are welcome.

For more information about TEAM Hoyt, go to www.teamhoyt.com