Promoting good health is important but bringing home another gold medal is what Aunty Lindy Lawler wants most.
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Aunty Lindy and fellow Illawarra Flames’ aunties are taking part in the annual Koori Mini Olympics in Wagga Wagga on October 19-21.
And the proud Elder for the Aunty Jean’s Group has set her sights on winning her fourth foam javelin gold medal.
Aunty Lindy won gold in the foam javelin event in 2012, 2014 and 2015.
“It’s not going to be easy. Competing in the foam javelin is very challenging and it is much harder than it looks,’’ Aunty Lindy said.
“I have been using dumbbells to strengthen my right arm. I’m thinking positively and will do all that I can to try to win another gold medal.’’
The Mini Olympics are an extension of the Aunty Jean’s Program, which is built around the community’s capacity to work together for better health outcomes for Aboriginal people, with the Elders leading the way.
But key to the success of the program, set up in 2003, was naming it after respected South Coast Elder Aunty Jean Morris.
About 250 competitors from all over NSW will take part in the 12th annual Koori Mini Olympics to be hosted by Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) in Wagga Wagga.
MLHD’s Aboriginal health unit chronic care coordinator Marylouise Simpson said the day will bring together indigenous adults who have or are at risk of a chronic disease to compete in low-impact games.
“There will be eight different events including shoot for goal, foxtail, bowling, discus, bullseye, monster quoit , hurdle toss and javelin,’’ she said.
Aunty Lindy was looking forward to competing and catching up with old friends. Doing well at the Mini Olympics would also cap off a great 2016 for the Barrack Heights woman, who was named Aboriginal Elder of the Year (female) at the Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards earlier this year. She was recognised for being an outstanding community representative who generously donates her time to build stronger communities.