DINE WITH LEGENDS: DICK AND RICK HOYT TO BE HONORED AT THE 2012 HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA’S LEGENDS BALL
Boston Marathon’s favorite duo to be recognized for their incredible accomplishments
Wrentham, MA… October 31, 2012 — Dick and Rick Hoyt will be the recipients of the 2012 Legends Award at the 7th Annual Legends Ball for their enduring spirit, teamwork and commitment to individuals with special needs and disabilities. This year’s Legends Ball will take place at Lake Pearl Luciano’s in Wrentham, MA on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 from 6:00PM – 10:00PM.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Integration Initiative, established in 2004, which provides opportunities for children with special needs to participate in YMCA programs and activities alongside their typically-developing peers. The program improves social skills, builds self-esteem, increases physical activity and independence, and enhances mutual respect among people of all abilities.
Ed Hurley, President of the Hockomock Area YMCA, enthusiastically shared “We are honored that the Hoyts have been regular attendees at our Legends Ball. They embody everything the YMCA Integration Initiative stands for. Their spirit, drive, energy and commitment to giving back inspires us all.”
Rick Hoyt was born with cerebral palsy, confined to a wheel chair at the age of five, and denied access to public schools because of his disability. Through efforts such as the Integration Initiative, disabled children will be afforded access to participate in athletic programs and activities. “I feel that the selection of Rick and me as honorees at the Legends Ball will help these young children in the program realize that inclusion is the key that opens the door to the rest of their lives,” said Dick Hoyt. “The Hockomock Area YMCA is to be commended for creating such a wonderful program for the youth in the communities it serves.”
Rick Hoyt has been participating in road races, triathlons, and marathons with his father, Dick, since 1977. The father and son team have competed in over 1,000 athletic competitions, including 30 Boston Marathons. 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 Marine Corp Marathon in Washington, D.C. In 1996, at the 100th Boston Marathon, the duo was recognized as Centennial Heroes. “Much in the same way that every Little League baseball player dreams of growing up to be a Major Leaguer, each of the disabled athletes who attend the Hockomock YMCA look at what Rick has accomplished as an athlete, a college graduate and a disabled man who lives independently — and can envision themselves in much the same way,” added Dick Hoyt. “I feel that by seeing all the things that Rick has been able to accomplish in his life once he was allowed to be included will serve as inspiration and motivation to the many young children who participate in the Integration Initiative.”
In 1989, the Hoyts founded the Hoyt Foundation, which builds individual character, self-confidence and self-esteem among America’s disabled young people.
Legends Ball Chairman Pete Brock, former New England Patriots center and President of the Patriot’s Alumni Association will be on hand — accompanied by other former and current New England sports legends, including Steve Grogan, Tim Fox, Nate Solder, Zoltan Mesko, Rob Ninkovich, Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks, and last year’s Legends Award recipient Matt Light to honor this year’s winners while raising funds for the Y’s program. Prior Legends Ball Honorees include: Joe Andruzzi, Steve Grogan and Andre Tippett.
Sports fans and friends of the Hockomock Area YMCA who are interested in attending the 2012 Legends Ball may contact Peter Waisgerber at 508-643-5251, or can purchase tickets online at: www.Hockymca.org
About Hockomock Area YMCA:
The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. With over 31,000 members, half under the age of 18, the YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve.
The Y is for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.
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