Motivational speaker Rick Hoyt and his father, Dick, compete every weekend in marathons and triathlons. They've climbed mountains and trekked 3,735 miles across America. Their achievement is so astounding because Rick can't walk or talk.
After Rick's birth in January 1962, doctors told Dick and his wife, Judy, that Rick should be institutionalized. Years later, with using an interactive computer that allows him to communicate using a head switch, he graduated from Boston University with a degree in special education.
Using a special chair built for racing, Rick competes in marathons (his first Boston Marathon was in 1981) and triathlons. He keeps a very busy schedule delivering motivational speeches. It takes Rick seven hours to type a 15-minute speech. During an appearance, the computer speaks his words when he taps his head switch. Rick may not be able to use his voice, but his words are powerful, his dad says. "He has people in tears, and he has them laughing. He cracks them up."
Reach Dick Hoyt at (413) 245-9466 or teamhoyt@samnet.net.