Sunday 18 September 2011
UP with Down's. What an eye opener.......
Up with Down's - school for children with special needs in Blanco George.
This visit on the 6th September impressed and inspired me so much to write something more about these special kids and their condition.
Four club riders pitched up for a foto shoot with their Iron Ponies much to the Kid's delight and judging from their expectant faces and smiles they relished the opportunity to pose with the STARS on their motorcycles.
Down syndrome (DS) simply put is a lifelong genetic condition that affects about 1 baby in every 730 in the USA. Yet each child with DS is different and has his own talents. In fact, some some of them are capable of learning enough to become active members of society and to enjoy a fulfilling life. Rearing a child with DS is not a bed of roses. It requires much time, efford, and dedication, as well as patience and realistic expectation. However, many families insist that having a DS child has brought them closer together. People with DS continue to grow and learn throughout their lifetime, and to benefit from new opportunities and experiences. Simple advice to parents of a child with DS is,- to love them very much with a lot of care and not to forget to be patient! Here are some Suggestions for interacting with people with Down syndrome:
- Place yourself face to face to ensure direct eye contact.
- Use simple language and short sentences.
- Support speech with facial expressions, gestures, and signs.
- Give them time to understand and answer.
- Listen carefully, and ask them to repeat instructions.
Our next meeting with Up with Downs school will be on the 29th October for a 4 X 4 day as part of their fundraising campaign. Looking forward to see all of you lovely kids again !!
Riding for a good course......
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PAWS Run 2011
Starriders was well represented at this years PAWS Run hosted by the Ulysses MC at the Arms Restaurant in Sedgefield. Attending the run was members from left to right, Hendri,Mandi, Gerhardt, Linda, Heinz,Jean, Suzette and Conwill. Jeans Mom joined the Stars as a guest on this run.
All the different MCs met at the bottom of York Street in George at the old Game Center's parking lot, where everybody bought Dog or Cat food to donate to the Knysna SPCA. There was a good turn out despite the chilly weather conditions, and we guessed that between 150 to 200 bikers showed up to show their support to the furry creatures.
Everyone had a good time and we enjoyed the ride and getting together as a group of friends.
Everyone had a good time and we enjoyed the ride and getting together as a group of friends.
Our Motor Cycle Club - Star Riders
A Club is Born
The Star Riders Garden Route chapter was started in March 2010.
Besides running I just cannot get enough of the outdoors and nature and that is way Motor biking is another big passion I love where fresh air,wind power and good friends meet. Here we are seen at one of our first runs as a group at interesting eating spot in Sedgefield. Star Riders Garden Route covers the whole area from Riversdale, Oudtshoorn, George through to Plettenbergbay. We invite all Star owners to contact us and join us on a run! Follow us on :
Sunday 28 August 2011
A HIGHLIGHT in my life.....
It was on the 18th of July hat I received a call from Michelle Pieters from Modern Athlete. She heard about my story from our local Nedbank Running club and would love to feature me in the next issue of Modern Athlete Magazine !! At first I thought impossible, not in a lifetime, why me! A mere 4 weeks later and see....
Great job Michelle.
About me
Heinz Mueller
As an avid motorbike enthusiast, Heinz always loved taking to the open road. And so it was no different on 12 March 1982, when he left from Olifantsfontein, near Pretoria, for Bloemfontein on his 750cc Suzuki. But coming round a sharp bend, he crashed into a lamppost at high speed. The impact completely severed his left foot and left him covered in deep wounds after he was flung 20m across a double road, landing in front of oncoming traffic. “I still remember the noise of the engine of my motorbike revving next to the lamppost. Only after a yellow plastic bag was pulled over the badly scarred remains of my leg did I realise that I’d lost a foot.”
Heinz was only 21 years old at the time. Now after such a traumatic accident, many people resign themselves to life with very little physical activity, but not Heinz Mueller. He vowed that his physical disability would not affect the way he lives life. And it hasn’t!LIFE AFTER THE ACCIDENT Today, Heinz (53) is the owner of a successful business, High Performance Limbs (HPL), which he manages from his home in George. He sources and imports prosthetic products and components from all over the world and distributes them in South Africa. He has also become an avid road runner. After nearly 25 years of using various prosthetic legs and feet that were fitted as his stump changed and technology advanced, he got his first running blade in 2007. That changed his whole life, as a new world of opportunities opened. “Suddenly I was freed from bondage and all the strenuous activities which previously seemed out of reach were suddenly doable.”
Heinz says immediately after the accident, he had to adapt to not having a leg with which to carry on with his day to day activities. “My recovery was rapid due to bloodless surgery and being strong-willed, but all of a sudden I had to wear a prostheses, a device that I knew nothing about. Suddenly I realised how important it was to have the support of family and friends. Emotionally, I was devastated at first. But through determination and positive thinking, I could see my life continue as normal as possible through the eyes of my three beautiful children.”
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