Training, reception of a national distinction, participation in the Tokyo Paralympic Games, release of a new book with Sport’Aide, social and community implications… to say that the year 2021 of Louperivoise Cindy Ouellet has been busy would be an understatement.
Still, the 33-year-old wouldn’t want to change anything. Cindy Ouellet works a lot, but that’s what she wants, what feeds her. Beyond sport and its exploits – there are many of them – there is this desire to make a difference in society. A mission that loads a schedule, but which is rewarding on several levels.
This is what was highlighted last summer, when she was named “female personality of the decade” at the 48th Gala Sports Québec. She was described there as a great athlete, but also as “a role model” who stands out for her “exemplary and exceptional actions”.
Humble, Cindy Ouellet sees it however only a nice big pat on the back. “The award is something I really appreciate, it’s an honor, but it doesn’t define me. For me, the work I do alongside, going to schools, to companies, to talk about my history, means a lot more, ”she shared on the sidelines of a conference offered to young people from the Rivière-du-Loup high school, during which she invited them to take advantage of each experience, good or bad.
Cindy Ouellet has been lecturing for about two years. It was also during this same period that she joined the Sport’Aide family. This fall, they launched the second volume of the comic book “The Adventures of Cindy” together. The book brings together eight comics, one of which – unpublished – is devoted to the inspiring journey of the athlete. We talk about mental health, but also bullying, and we present tools.
“Comics everyone loves that. It’s a fun way to talk about a less obvious subject like bullying to younger people. It really goes hand in hand with my visits to schools. It’s important to see young people and help them. ”
Unsurprisingly, hard work and effort also marked the Paralympic journey of the Canadian wheelchair team, whose captain was Cindy Ouellet, at the last Games in Tokyo. Excluded from the medal round after a loss to rival USA, the Canadian delegation won their next match against Japan to finish in 5th place, eventually securing the same rank as Rio in 2016.
This was obviously not the desired result, but Cindy Ouellet remains proud of what has been accomplished through exceptional circumstances. The Louperivoise was also one of the best scorers of his training. “Basically, we were just happy to have the chance to go play […] Yes, there is a disappointment, but we worked hard and we played really well. We were a good team and we supported each other. We finished strong, we rolled up our sleeves and I’m proud of that. ”
This winter, Cindy Ouellet will not be at the next Beijing Paralympic Games. She made this decision for her well-being, but it would be bad to know her to believe that she will take it easy. In the program? Projects, more projects. She will continue her involvement with Sport’Aide, will be present at the next Quebec Games – if they take place – and hope to be able to give a few conferences.