thebahamasweekly.com - Visiting Conchman para-triathlete meets with the Beacon School

Visiting Conchman participant Hector Picard after his talk with students and faculty of Beacon School in Grand Bahama on October 5th, 2010. Photo: Yasmin Popescu for The Bahamas Weekly

Freeport, Bahamas - American triathlete Hector Picard is on Grand Bahama for this year's Conchman Triathlon which takes place Saturday, November 6th from Taino Beach. Today he visited the Beacon School to speak to the children bringing his overall message to never give up no matter what happens.

Hector suffered an accident while on the job as an electrician where he received 13,000 volts through his body that resulted in the complete amputation of his right arm and half his left. As well as 2nd and 3rd degree burns over 40% of his body.

"This was my first experience speaking to special needs children and it left me breathless. I went there to motivate them, and they motivated me!" said Picard.

Hector Picard shows students of the Beacon School how he does pushups. Hector will be competing in this year's Conchman on November 6th. Photo: Yasmin Popescu for The Bahamas Weekly

The children had many questions for Picard, like how does he dress, exercise, bathe, swim and ride a bike. Picard showed the class by taking his shirt off and putting it back on for them, explained how his prosthesis worked, and even got down on the floor to show how he does push-ups. He showed the class the special bike that he will be riding for tomorrow's Conchman, and explained that he swims on his back and kicks with his legs.

"Mr. Picard had our student's full attention. They were excited, yet totally focused and full of questions for the athlete. He thoroughly inspired our students and would be an inspiration to any student, with or without a handicap," said Miriam Sweeting, Vice Principal of the Beacon School. "I feel this experience will move our students to the next level and will make a positive impact in their lives."

From July 2009 through November 2010 Picard will have competed in over 30 triathlon events including 2 Half Iron, 5 Olympic, 2 International, 2 Classic and 19 Sprint distances through out the state of Florida and Freeport, Bahamas.

"I am excited to be competing at the Conchman in Grand Bahama. It will give me the chance to show a different culture what a physically challenged athlete can do," Picard told The Bahamas Weekly News Team.

Paratriathlete Hector Picard, who is in town for the Conchman, shows children of the Beacon School his prosthesis. Photo Yasmin Popescu for The Bahamas Weekly

He is the recipient of the 2010 Paul Mitchell Spirit award for Para-triathlete of the year in the USA.

In 2011, Hector will be competing through out the USA in 5 Ironman 70.3's (Half Ironman distances) and with the goal of competing on October 8, 2011 at the Ironman Championships in Hawaii. The goal in competing in these events is to bring awareness to the physically challenged and show their capabilities.

Picard was born on May 5, 1966 in Miami to Cuban parents, Georgina and Leo Picard

and has two younger brothers. He is a college graduate and is a real estate professional in the South Florida market, as well as a motivational speaker. He is the father of two daughters from a previous marriage, and is married to Wendy Pennington-Marquard, previous resident of Grand Bahama. He has two step children.

Para-triathlete, Hector Picard to compete in Conchman 2010