My Team Triumph helps people with

On Saturday Nov. 2, the MyTeam Triumph chapter of Southeast Missouri ran in its first 5K since Debbie Leoni founded it two years ago.

Dick Hoyt started MyTeam Triumph in Michigan in 1995 for his son Rick, who is unable to walk because of his disabilities. The idea behind MTT was to create an athletic ride-along for children, teens, adults and veterans with disabilities who would normally not be able to experience endurance events such as triathlons or road races.

Leoni, along with six volunteers from the Cape Girardeau area kicked off their chapter's first race by accompanying two disabled team members.

The disabled participants, also known as "captains," are pushed or pulled along the course in modified carriages by their "angels" or volunteers who help to chauffeur the carriages to the finish line.

MTT sponsors two captains on their current team, but they are always looking for more. The two were pushed throughout the course for the thrill of their lifetimes on Saturday.

"They really enjoy just being there and having the opportunity to do this," Leoni said. "This is something they would never be able to do, and we've loved helping them."

A lot of preparation and hard work goes into getting the captains everything they need to be prepared for the race. But the angels are not full-time employees.

"These are normal everyday people within the community," Leoni said. "They don't want any glory or run for time, it really is all about the captains."

Leoni said that people from all different backgrounds make up their angel force. Students, high school and college athletes, doctors and even teachers with a love for running and helping people make up this team.

Laura Dee, a dedicated runner from Jackson,Missouri is one of the six angels from the Southeast Missouri MTT chapter who supported Brandon and Becki during their Saturday run.

"You could see their smiles all day long," Dee said. "It was a really great experience to help someone who can't do this on their own."

Along with help from their angels, MTT receives donations from people all around the community. All monetary income goes straight to buying equipment for captains, such as new wheelchairs, which the team recently bought and gave to their captains on Oct. 16.

Along with equipment fees come insurance payments, which the foundation funds solely from donations. To help their cause contact Leoni at (920)-664-0411 or by email at dleoni@mtt-semo.org

MTT members will be busy in the next few weeks and months, competing in another 5K on Saturday in Jackson, Missouri, followed by the Resolution Run Jan 1., at 10 a.m. at Arena Park.

"We're excited to step back and let the captains be the focus of attention." Leoni said. "It's not about time or anything, it's all about our captains."