National Dog Day means a lot to blind Paralympic athletes

Guide dog. Photo: International Guide Dogs

TOKYO, Japan. — Marybai Huking advances through the quarterfinals in Goalball with Team USA 5 – 3 against the Russian Paralympic Committee (RPC). In between graduating from Freemont High School in Farr West, Utah in 2015 and the University of Utah in 2019, Huking competed in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games in Goalball bringing a bronze medal back to her hometown of Salt Lake City.

Down points in the first half, in the second half of the game in Tokyo against the RPC, Huking was front and center when everything was tied up at three. Remaining in the game until the end when the two added points which came in rapid succession sealed the deal to send Team USA to the semifinals where the Americans will go up against the athletes representing Brazil.  

If Huking and her teammates make it past that Goalball bracket, they’ll play the winner of Turkey vs. Japan.

Goalball rules include blacked-out goggles for all the athletes who already have varied visual impairments in case any light perception comes through in the interest of Fairplay. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) annual International Fair Play Day is coming up on September 17.

Utilizing a ball in which bells ring when thrown, no talking is allowed after the ball is thrown aiding the orientation of the game with that adaptive equipment. 

Huking’s tears of joy streamed down her cheeks once she took of her goggles as the game clock wound down. In lieu of a walking, handshaking line to close out the match appreciatively and respectfully of the opponent team, in goalball directly after the game, the two teams line up across from each other on the floor’s tactile tape and applaud towards the other. 

Huking works with the United States Association for Blind Athletes (USABA) and the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) as does long-time Park City resident Danelle Umstead. Umstead, alongside her husband and ski guide, Rob, has represented the United States in the sport of alpine ski racing in three Paralympic Games earning three bronze medals.

Days before the Tokyo Paralympic’s cauldron was lit, Umstead traveled to Florida for a welcome-home party for the Team USA able-bodied Olympians. Her guide dog, Aziza, made the flight with her, Aziza’s last as she is now retiring from years of successfully circumnavigating the globe with Umstead.

Friday was National Dog Day and the day Umstead announced on social media the touching tribute to how hard-working and heart-capturing Aziza has been. The dog will continue to live out her long, healthy life in Park City so keep an eye out for Danelle, Rob their son, Brocton, and Aziza around town.  

In an effort to bring awareness and opportunity to fellow female athletes with disabilities, Umstead has started a new nonprofit called the Sisters in Sports Foundation.

By clicking on the post below, hear how visually impaired participants utilize lesser-known technology within social media to connect audibly and often via transcription tools.