S3 Ep08: Team Hoyt-Yes,You Can!

In this episode, “Team Hoyt - Yes, You Can!”, we will be speaking with brothers, Rick and Russ Hoyt.  Rick, who was born with Cerebral Palsy, grew up in a loving family where he was treated no differently than his two brothers, Rob and Russ. 

When he was 16 years old, Rick approached his dad, Dick, and asked him if they could enter a race together to benefit an athlete at his school who had become paralyzed. 

Rick wanted to demonstrate that life could be lived fully, despite a persons’ disability. 

Rick’s dad agreed and from that point on, father and son became known as Team Hoyt, which competed in over 1,100 endurance events, such as, 5K’s, marathons, triathlons and Iron-man competitions. 

In March of 2021, Dick Hoyt, passed away at age 80. Their mom, Judy, who passed away in 2010, was a big advocate for her son, Rick and championed education reform to ensure the inclusion of people with disabilities in the state of Massachusetts.

Rick and his brother Russ will tell stories about their family, Team Hoyt’s racing career and the Hoyt Foundation, a non-profit organization, founded to help disabled young people through inclusion in all facets of daily life.

Photo(s): Courtesy of the Hoyt Family

Music: "With Loved Ones", Jay Man