Team Hoyt accepts ESPY “Jimmy V ” Award

Dick and Rick Hoyt are the father-and-son team who has run 31 Boston Marathons together so far.  Dick pushes his son Rick who has cerebral palsy in a wheelchair the 26.2 miles every year. Last night they were honored with the Jimmy V Perseverance Award at the ESPYs.  Rick Hoyt shared his thoughts via electronic device, “Thirty-seven years ago, no one would even talk to us, but because my Dad said yes when I asked him to push me in the first race, and my family, especially my brothers Rob and Russ, have always stood by us and helped us persevere, even with so many people telling us we did not belong, we are here.” They are amazing examples for everyone , proving the words of Jimmy Valvano the late North Carolina State men’s basketball coach the award was named after, “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.'” The Boston natives were going to hang up their running shoes with this last marathon but due to circumstances they decided they will run in next year’s marathon too.  Dick, the father, shared this takeaway with the audience, “Next time you see someone in a wheelchair or who can’t talk or walk, or they may  talk or walk a little bit different, they are people too and deserve to be able to  live, learn work and play. “