73-year old Dick Hoyt and his 52-year-old quadriplegic son Rick have become sports icons as Team Hoyt. They are one of the world’s most inspiring stories and the Y is proud to welcome them to the 10th annual Franklin 5K. This family event, taking place Sunday, June 1 at Marsh and McLellan Companies in Franklin, aims to break down barriers for people with disabilities.
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| Team Hoyt |
Team Hoyt is a great example of a father’s love. Despite Rick’s disabilities as a spastic quadriplegic with cerebral palsy and as a non-speaking person, his spirit and mind have always been strong. His family has long supported his quest for independence and inclusion in community, sports, education, and the workplace, culminating in his graduation from Boston University.
The father and son team has competed in over 1,000 athletic competitions, including 32 Boston Marathons, 22 duathlons, and six Ironmans. At first, race organizers tried to exclude the Hoyts unless Dick could qualify in the difficult time of Rick’s 20-year-old age group, which they did at the 1982 Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. In 1996, at the 100th Boston Marathon, the duo was recognized as Centennial Heroes.
The Hockomock Area YMCA shares the Hoyts’ strong belief in inclusion. In 2012, the Y honored Team Hoyt at its Legends Ball benefiting inclusive programming at the Y. The Integration Initiative, available at all Hockomock Area YMCA branches in Franklin, Foxboro, and North Attleboro, is a unique program that provides opportunities for children with special needs to engage with their typically developing peers in YMCA programs, activities, and services.
Since 2004, over 600 families have participated in the Initiative, experiencing teamwork, pride, happiness, and a true sense of belonging. “The Hockomock Area YMCA is to be commended for creating such a wonderful program for the youth in the communities it serves,” said Dick Hoyt upon receipt of the Legends Award in 2012.
All proceeds from The Franklin 5K will be used to provide anonymous scholarships at the Y and to subsidize the Integration Initiative. The race was started by The K Girls - Kris and Kayla Biagiotti - in memory of Kayla’s dad Bob Biagiotti and his belief that no child should be left on the sidelines. Kris continues her advocacy through this event.
Last year, Kris and Kayla were just feet away from the finish line when two bombs exploded at the 2013 Boston Marathon. That day, lost among the chaos, The K Girls made Boston Marathon history as the first female team to complete the race in the disabled division. Kris and Kayla are excited to run again with Dick and Rick Hoyt, who have been huge inspirations to them.
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| Last May, the community participated in The Franklin 5K, raising funds to celebrate children of all abilities. The event was led by race founder Kris Biagiotti (pictured front center with her daughter Kayla) |
At The Franklin 5K, you will enjoy spirit, teamwork, and commitment to community with the Hoyts and The K Girls! Join us Sunday, June 1 at Marsh & McLellan Companies, 431 Washington Street in Franklin. Day of registration starts at 9:00 a.m. and the run, walk, or roll starts at 10:00 a.m.
The family day includes Touch a Truck, with vehicles from Bass Pro Shops, the National Guard, and Franklin’s police and fire departments. Kids get the excitement of crossing a finish line of their own with a free fun run, starting immediately after the 5K and cheered on by the Y’s Teen Leaders Club. Healthy activities for the whole family include Minute to Win It challenges, KidTucky Derby racing, Noodle tag, face painting, a silent auction, raffles, music, and more.
Register today by visiting hockymca.org. Cost to participate is $30. Medals will be awarded to the top 3 men’s and women’s finishers from several age categories and all participants will receive a finisher medal.
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| The Franklin 5K - June 1, 2014 |
Bay State Physical Therapy will be on site to cater to participants’ needs, including warm up stretching, taping and wrapping, sports massage, and injury care. Thank you to event sponsors Marsh & McLellan Companies, Bay State Physical Therapy, Design Elements for Business, and Chestnut Dental. Questions, please contact Sr. Director of Youth Programming Tim Shaw at 508.879.5746 or tims@hockymca.org.
About The Hockomock Area YMCA
The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities in the areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. At the Y, strengthening community is its cause. Every day, the Y works side-by-side with its neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn and grow. For more information about the Hockomock Area YMCA, please visit hockymca.org.
You can register online here:
http://hockymca.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=231&Itemid=288
