myTeamTriumph Rocky Mountain Chapter

MyTeamTriumph is a front range nonprofit organization based in Fort Collins, Colorado. They provide athletic ride along programs for children, teens, adults and veterans with disabilities that would otherwise prevent them from being able to experience road racing and eventually triathlons. This local nonprofit provides everything participants need to complete a race, including boats, harnesses, trailers and chairs. Their efforts enable disabled people of all ages to enjoy the exhilaration and sense of accomplishment from finishing a race or triathlon.

Hadyra Stinebuck, volunteer Marketing/Fundraising Coordinator for the Rocky Mountain Chapter of my Team Triumph, says running “for someone that can't is one of the most fulfilling things I could have ever done. To see their faces and to understand how freeing it was for that moment, is amazing. I want to help many others get the to feel the rush of the run, the wind in their face and fun of accomplishing something many told them they couldn't.”

MyTeamTriumph is based upon the story of Team Hoyt, which consists of father and son duo Rick and Dick Hoyt. Rick was born in 1962. As a result of oxygen deprivation to his brain, he was diagnosed shortly after birth as a spastic quadriplegic with cerebral palsy. Dick and Judy, Rick’s mother, noticed the look in Rick’s eyes, and his astute manner convinced them that he was processing much more than the grim outlook the doctors had prepared them for. In 1972, a computer was created the enabled Rick to finally convey his thoughts and feelings. This led to his request in 1977 to run a marathon with his father’s help, which was a benefit run for a lacrosse player who had been paralyzed.

After their first race together, Rick told his father “ "Dad, when I'm running, it feels like I'm not handicapped."

The Rocky Mountain Chapter of myTeamTriumph is seeking donations for their organization to be able to provide services to local children, teens and adults. Because of their nonprofit status, they rely heavily on donations from their generous supporters. To donate to their cause, please visit myTeamTriumph's website.