This week– We trace the path of how a 5-mile benefit run in 1977 Boston impacts this Saturday’s TMC Meet Me Downtown 5k at Armory Park, plus some major announcements from Rio Nuevo and maybe another professional sports team coming to the TCC.
In 1962 a young couple in the Boston area were informed their son suffered from oxygen deprivation at time of his birth. As a result, his brain was unable to properly operate his body and their son, Rick, was diagnosed as a spastic quadriplegic with Cerebral Palsy.
They believed from his childhood, he should be raised with the same opportunities as any other. That belief would be challenged over the years as they continually had to break down barriers for inclusion. It would be a battle and a remarkable feat in the 1970’s for Dick and Judy Hoyt to even have their son admitted to a public school.
A couple of years later, another student of that same high school would lose the use of his arms and legs because of a car accident. Through the use of technology, Rick Hoyt communicated to his father that he would like to support that student by participating in a 5-mile benefit run. Dick Hoyt was not, at the time, a runner, but he was dedicated to his commitment of inclusion. So in the spring of 1977, Rick and Dick Hoyt competed in their first race together. What happened next couldn’t possibly have been understood for the impact it would have on families around the world.
Fast forward 41 years and that impact are felt in Downtown Tucson. Team Hoyt Arizona, one of only 7 chapters nationally the Hoyts have authorized to use their name, will be taking part in the TMC Meet Me Downtown 5k on Saturday night at Armory Park.
Steve King, co-founder, with his wife Denise King, of Team Hoyt Arizona shared with us their mission, their passion and what it means for them to compete in events like our downtown 5k
You clearly heard the tears in Steve’s voice as he shared the story of how Rick and Dick Hoyt got started. This is a story Steve has shared many times before, but the impact of that moment on the Hoyt family and eventually the world still holds an emotional bond.
I spoke with other families of Team Hoyt Arizona and their stories of how this has impacted them are similar. Opportunity and inclusion are what they seek and events like the TMC Meet Me Downtown 5k are integral for them. One mother noted that simply having the event at night means her son, with a sensitivity to light, can actually participate in this race without his sunglasses, giving him a different perspective of the race.
In the extended interview, Steve shares more about the impact with Tucson Families, the importance of inclusion and some plans for their big November 8th event when Dick Hoyt will be speaking in Tucson.
