Lindy Hou OAM

Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year

From Harper & Lindy

2008 has been a wonderful year for Lindy and I. Lindy and Toireasa won Silver and Bronze at the Beijing Paralympic Games and I had a long and well earned holiday in Sydney.

Just as well I had a nine weeks holiday. I certainly needed that rest to prepare for the hectic schedule that Lindy had me doing after her return from the Games. There were Award Dinners, Welcome Home Reception, one being the NSW Ambassador for the Don’t DIS my ABILITY campaign, as well as giving a number of speeches. In doing all these, we travelled to Canberra, Sunshine Coast, Orange, Melbourne, Tamworth and in and around Sydney.

If this is what retirement from Para-Cycling is all about, I think Lindy needs to get back into training so I can have a rest!

Some of the Highlights for 2008 are;

- Beijing Paralympics

- Welcome Home Reception at Sydney Town Hall

- Cyclist of the year – Female Para-Cycling

- NSW Ambassador for the Don’t DIS my ABILITY Campaign

Beijing Paralympic Games

Apart from winning Silver in the 3000m pursuit and Bronze in the 1km Time Trial, Lindy & Toireasa also got 4th in the 20km Road Time Trial and 4th in the 70km Road Race.

Even if I had missed the ABC broadcast, I still would have known how they went. Lindy has spoken enough times about her Beijing experience to make sure I really know what happened! As much as I pretend I don’t care, I am really proud of them both. Just hearing the excitement in Lindy’s voice, I know it was worth all the many early mornings that I had to take her to training and even when I had a morning off, I still got woken up when she got ready for her early morning training sessions. Life is certainly tough for a champion Guide Dog!

Welcome Home Reception

One of my proudest Guide Dog moments, with a bit of help from Toireasa, was to accompany Lindy up to the top steps of the Sydney Town Hall. Lindy was extremely honoured to be asked to give the Thank You speech on behalf of all the NSW Paralympians at the Welcome Home Reception. Apart from saying all the thank you’s, she also mentioned that “Paralympians are no different to the Olympians, we train just as hard, but we also have to face greater challenges than our counterparts.”

Cyclist of the Year - Female Para-Cycling

Lindy & Toireasa finished their Para-cycling with another win. This time it was at the Cycling Australia Award Dinner in Melbourne. They got to share the evening with some of Australia’s best cyclists in Track, Road, Mountain Bike and BMX. They were awarded “Female Para-cyclist of the Year”, while The Sir Hubert Opperman Trophy for overall Cyclist of the Year went to Anna Mears. For once, Anna’s thank you speech out did Lindy’s in length.

In her speech, Lindy thanked their sponsor Clarence Street Cyclery’s, coach Tom Skulander as well as all the organisations and people who had helped them along the way. She also said “This award is not just for Toireasa & me. It is for all those Para-Cyclists who dare to take up the challenge”.

Lindy thanked Toireasa for her friendship and turning every pedal stroke with her &
said they wished they had started a special fund to collect a dollar for every time someone said “the one on the back is not peddling!” If they had, they would have retired from Para-Cycling as millionaires!

Lindy also mentioned that the 3rd of December is the International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD). It is the day we celebrate the achievement of people with disability and the contributions they make to our communities. Achievement is not necessarily winning a gold medal or becoming the best in the world. For some people, facing everyday life challenges is an achievement in itself. People with Disability aim to make the most of their Ability, so they can achieve their personal best in both sport and in life.

NSW Ambassador for the Don’t DIS my ABILITY Campaign

3rd of December each year has been declared by the United Nation as the International Day of People with Disability. The NSW government promoted the Don’t DIS my ABILITY Campaign. This is a month long celebration to celebrate the achievements and contributions of people with Disability through over 150 events. Through this campaign, we aim to gain acceptance and understanding.

We certainly went to our fair share of these events. We were at the launch for the International Day at Martin Place, and spoke at the Department of Housing and the Department of Sport and Recreation morning tea. We went to the screening of the “Blind Hero”, a documentary about the Australian Blind Cricket Team and many other events.

At Martin Place Lindy was interviewed and shared with the audience her life of as Paralympian. Just as well she told them what a wonderful Guide Dog I am, so I didn’t feel so bad when I couldn’t join the Assistance Dogs for the Dog Square Dance. Just like Lindy who has two left feet, I also have three left paws. Anyway, dancing is not on my job description.

As you can see, 2008 has been a wonderful year and I can’t wait to see what 2009 will bring us.

Have a great Christmas & I will woof more stories to you next year.

Harper Hou

harperhou@optusnet.com.au
www.lindyhou.com