Life-size statue of Rick and Dick Hoyt unveiled in Hopkington

The inspirational father-son team were have been immortalized near the starting line of the Boston Marathon.

Over the last 30 years, Rick and Dick Hoyt have become among the most iconic pair of runners at the Boston Marathon.

The father and son duo were honoured for their inspiring dedication to the sport and to people with disabilities by having a statue of their likeness erected at Hopkington’s Center School.

The life-size bronze of Rick in his wheelchair and his father Dick pushing him was unveiled on Monday morning in front of a large crowd in advance of the marathon. The statue is located at the school where marathoners wait before walking down the road to the start line in Hopkington.

Rick has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair. Nevertheless, he and his father have ran the Boston Marathon ever year since 1982.

“Dick and Rick Hoyt are, quite simply, an inspiration,” Jim Gallagher of John Hancock, the main sponsor of the marathon, said in a speech before the unveiling. “We couldn’t think of a better place for this statue than Hopkinton.”

Rick, speaking with the use of a computer, said, “Today is a special because Hopkinton is a permanent reminder of everything Dad and I stand for. Hopefully, we have demonstrated to the world, that, no matter what, ‘Yes, you can.'”

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