Wes Harding

President and CEO of Team Hoyt Canada, Boston Marathon Qualifier, Ironman, Member of Team Hoyt, Author

Dreams do come true and Wes Harding from Sarnia, Ontario has proven that "anything is possible"! Wes has gone from a non-runner, overweight couch potato at the age 40 to a four time Boston Marathon qualifier and three-time Ironman Finisher all in six years. Losing 80 pounds in the process, Wes' life changing attitude came after watching a YouTube video on Team Hoyt (a father who pushes his paralyzed son with Cerebral Palsy in road races and triathlons) entitled "CAN". This father/son team inspired Wes to start "making a difference" in his own life and in the lives of others.

For the past three years Wes has had the privilege of being chosen as one of two Canadians to represent Team Hoyt in the Boston Marathon and he will be running with them in their next and last Boston Marathon in 2014. Watching the joy and excitement of this father's disabled son firsthand in the Boston Marathon, Wes knew it was time to bring this same experience to disabled individuals in Canada.

As a motivational speaker Wes inspires and encourages others to "dream big" and that "dreams do come true". His message, like the Hoyt's motto, is "Yes, You Can"! As a non-runner Wes' dream was to qualify for the Boston Marathon and in April 2012 after overcoming insurmountable odds that dream came true. In April 2013, Wes co-authored his first book entitled, "Destined To Run" (with Todd Civin, forward by Dick Hoyt and Published by Mascot books). "Destined To Run" is more than a story about running, it is a book about chasing after your dreams.

As a result of being in the heart of the Boston Marathon 2013 bombings and the powerful story of TEAM HOYT inspired Wes to make a change in his life that included others. He left his career course as an educator of twenty years and started up Canada's first athletic ride-along organization created for those with disabilities who would normally not be able to experience endurance events such as triathlons or road races. After hearing Wes speak you will be motivated to say, "I CAN" do the impossible and "I CAN" make a difference.

www.wesharding.net

www.destinedtorun.net

www.myteamtriumphcanada.org