Page 7 - 50 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet (2nd Revised Edition)

motto. Over the next few decades, DIVE IN! Are there individuals who have
Team Hoyt would compete Devoted: The Story of a overcome handicaps to reach
in more than one thousand Father’s Love for His Son by athletic achievements that
races, including marathons, Dick Hoyt with Don Yaeger seemed impossible? What about
duathlons, and triathlons. They (Da Capo, 2010), 203 pages. outside of sports? Can you find
even completed six Ironman people in the performing arts,
competitions! Rick and his dad such as music, dance, and acting,
finished thirty-two Boston Marathons, one who aren’t held back by their disabilities?
of America’s most famous races. In 1992 they Don’t forget the visual arts such as painting
even tackled a trip all the way across the United andsculpting.
States that covered 3,735 miles (6,011 km) in Use social media to share the awesome
forty-five days! stories you discover. Maybe you can include
Team Hoyt—born of love, determination, them in a school writing project. And don’t
and a father’s message to his son: YES YOUCAN! forget to let us know about these incredible
individuals too. Go to www.heroes4us.com to
EXPLORE! send us an e-mail to share the stories you’ve
Do you think Dick and Rick are the only people uncovered. Author to authors! How cool is that?
who have overcome a disability to achieve
amazing feats in athletics? Not at all! Their story EXPLORE SOME MORE!
has inspired others with disabilities to say, “Yes Team Hoyt was honored in 2013 with a special
I can!” Your challenge is to learn about other ESPN award called the Jimmy V Perseverance
athletes like Team Hoyt and then share their Award. Google it to read the stories of some
stories with your friends and family. of the other amazing people who have been
Start by exploring the Team Hoyt website honored with the award.
(www.teamhoyt.com) and
read about others who have
been inspired by Dick and
Rick’s feats. You can learn
about some of the ways
people with disabilities
remain active, vital members
of society.
What about in your
school and community?

In addition to marathons,
Dick and Rick have competed
in triathlons that include
three stages: running, biking,
and swimming.

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