The Hoyt Foundation December Newsletter |
From the Office of the President |
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The Olympic flame for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games was lit on November 26th in Ancient Olympia, the historic birthplace of the Olympic Games. The ceremony marks the beginning of the flame’s journey towards Italy, where it will arrive on December 4th to travel across the country of Italy on its way to the Opening Ceremony on February 6, 2026. Giovanni Malagò, President of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) highlighted the powerful symbolism of the journey ahead, saying: “Every step I – and the thousands of runners – take over the next 10 weeks will remind the world of the power of sport to build bridges, break down barriers and together create a healthier and more sustainable future together.”
Did you know that Dad and Rick once carried the Olympic Flame? |
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In the 1984 the Summer Olympics were held in Los Angeles, CA. They were the first leg of the Olympic Torch journey on U. S. soil. Their journey began on May 8, 1984, when they carried the Olympic torch from when it landed in Boston. They started the torch’s relay across the United States, culminating in the opening ceremony on July 28, 1984.
Here at The Hoyt Foundation, we are honored that Dick, Judy and Rick taught us to use the power of sport to build bridges, break down barriers and create a healthier and more sustainable future together. Happy Holidays and a wish for a healthy future from the Hoyt Family, Team Hoyt and The Hoyt Foundation. |
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Yes You Can Inclusion Grant Cycle Opens January 2026 |
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Next month, we’ll once again be accepting applications for the Dick & Judy Hoyt Yes You Can Inclusion Grants, which officially reopen on January 10 – a date especially meaningful to us, as it’s Rick’s birthday.
The program was created for one purpose: to help families give their child with a disability the chance to participate fully alongside typical peers – just as Dick and Judy did for Rick. Administered in partnership with the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, these grants are dedicated to removing the barriers that prevent individuals with disabilities from participating fully alongside their non-disabled peers.
Families can request up to $10,000 to support opportunities such as adaptive equipment, inclusive sports and recreation, camps, and other experiences that foster community and belonging and make true inclusion possible.
Do you know a family who could benefit from this support? Please help us spread the word on the “Yes You Can” Grants | Team Hoyt
Together, we can open the door to life-changing “Yes You Can” moments.
Danny the Acrobat – 2025 Grantee, participating in Circus Arts |
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Red, White, and Blue at the Top of the Pru |
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To kick off December, The Hoyt Foundation had the honor of launching this year’s 31 Nights of Light at the Prudential Tower in Boston. Surrounded by friends, family, and longtime supporters, we gathered to “flip the switch” and illuminate the top of the Pru in our colors of red, white and blue. It was a meaningful way to celebrate the Foundation’s mission and to welcome the holiday season with the city we love. A huge thank-you to everyone who joined us for this bright start to December. |
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Partner Visit with Franciscan Children's Hospital |
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The Hoyt Foundation recently visited Franciscan Children’s Hospital, part of the Boston Children’s Hospital family, for a tour of their facility and programs. We were welcomed by their wonderful team and had the chance to see firsthand the extraordinary work they do to support children with acute medical needs and disabilities.
A highlight of our visit was learning about their robust and ever-growing Adaptive Sports Program, which strives to bridge exceptional pediatric care with the power of adaptive sports and the confidence that come from inclusive play. The program helps create a community where every child can grow, explore, and experience the thrill of participating fully. Offerings include windsurfing, wheelchair basketball, ice skating, dance, cheer, sailing, and so much more!
We’re proud to align with Franciscan Children’s and to support the inclusive opportunities they’re creating for families across our community.
For more information about their programming and current offerings, please visit their website, Adaptive Sports Program | Franciscan Children's
Below: Russ and Amy visit with Victoria at Franciscan Children’s Hospital |
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Andrew McAllister and Ross Ormon ran for Team Hoyt as a Duo in the 2024 Boston Marathon and then went on to become the first 6-star Duo in the world! The 6 Star Medal is awarded by the Abbott World Marathon Majors to runners who complete the original six major marathons: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York. They completed the Tokyo Marathon on March 23, 2025, to complete the Journey. |
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Andrew and Ross then invited our President & CEO Russ Hoyt to join them in their hometown of San Antonio, TX for two reasons. First to celebrate their accomplishment and meet Shota Fukushima the PR Supervisor of the Marketing Division of the Tokyo Marathon. We all got to celebrate the 6-star feat at the Believe It Foundation annual meeting on 11/12/2025. |
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The second reason they brought both Russ and Shota to San Antinio was to share just how inclusive a community this Texas town is. We visited Morgan’s Wonderworld, the most inclusive theme park in the world. |
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Two of the highlights were seeing Andrew’s name on the wall of honor for those who have inspired the work at Morgan’s and meeting with Brent Field the CEO at Morgan’s. Brent told us about the theme park and so many more of the things that Morgan’s is doing to make the world a more inclusive place. One project we learned about is that they are about to break ground on what they believe will be the most inclusive YMCA in the world. Well with our project about to break ground in Ashland we think the Team Hoyt Community YMCA will be more inclusive. So, I guess the race is on!
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Tean Agar: Father & Son Duo Triathletes Defying the Odds |
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In this powerful CBS News story we are introduced Jeff and Johnny Agar, a father–son triathlon team whose journey mirrors the spirit of Dick and Rick. During a race together, Jeff experienced a terrifying health scare that led to an unexpected triple-bypass surgery, a moment that could have brought their racing career to an abrupt end. Instead, it marked the beginning of an extraordinary comeback.
Over the following summer, thanks to his years of fitness, relentless determination, and the inspiration he draws from his son Johnny, Jeff worked his way back to running and training again. Johnny, who has cerebral palsy, has completed countless triathlons alongside his dad – and together, they achieved a milestone few athletes ever reach: earning a spot in the Ironman World Championship in Kona, the sport’s most iconic and demanding race.
Jeff often says he gives Johnny “the legs and the power” to do what he loves. And in return, Johnny gives Jeff the strength to push through every challenge, every mile, and every finish line. Their story is a beautiful reminder of what becomes possible when love, resilience, and the “Yes You Can” spirit lead the way. |
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A Favorite Story From Our Running Community |
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The running community is something truly special to be part of. Every so often, The Hoyt Foundation receives messages from runners sharing funny, heartfelt, or unforgettable memories of crossing paths with Dick and Rick. This recent story, from our friend Bob of the Greater Framingham Running Club, made us smile:
“A long time ago, I was running a hilly race near Framingham called the Terrible Ten-Miler, aiming to break 7:00 minutes per mile. I was holding about 6:58 at the 8-mile mark when Dick and Rick Hoyt passed me – going uphill! I will never forget the impression that day left on me. It was humbling.” Moments like this remind us just how far Dick and Rick’s impact stretches across our community – inspiring runners of every pace for decades. |
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The Metrowest YMCA had an amazing event the Dream Big Gala. |
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During the event we honored NESN Sports Anchor Tom Caron and an amazing educator Robin Welch. Dave McGillivray brought both honorees up to receive their Dream Big awards and got a surprise himself when last year’s honoree authors Paul and Peter Reynolds dedicated a book to him! |
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The amazing staff from the YMCA gave an update on the Team Hoyt Community YMCA to be built in Ashland, MA at about the 5-mile mark of the Boston Marathon. We are excited to share that the plan is to break ground in the Spring or Summer of 2026! |
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