IA/IL QUAD-CITIES - Always a hockey fanatic, Andrew "Andy" Yohe of Bettendorf, Iowa, was a roller hockey player for the Bettendorf Young Guns before losing both legs in 1994. He was run over while trying to jump onto a train. But he did not allow the accident to prevent him from continuing with his athletic career. Andy became an ice sled hockey player and went on to serve as captain of the U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team that won the gold medal at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver and the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.
Andy has an indomitable spirit, as well as a vital message to share with the public. He will give a presentation called "Creating Positive Outcomes" at a Think Tank session to be held 6 to 8 p.m. June 26, at Rivermont Collegiate, 1821 Sunset Dr., Bettendorf. Cost of the session is $20 ($10 for students 18 and younger) and includes complimentary hors d'oeuvres. The Think Tank is a division of Results Marketing in Bettendorf.
"The Think Tank provides a forum for the Quad-City area's most compelling thinkers and doers," said Todd Ashby, Managing Partner of Results Marketing. "We are pleased to have Andy as a presenter and believe that attendees will find his presentation both inspiring and informative." Results Marketing is also the creator of the Idea Lab, a progressive discussion group, and is the hosting sponsor of Leadercast in the Quad-Cities area.
"The Think Tank provides a forum for the Quad-City area's most compelling thinkers and doers," said Todd Ashby, Managing Partner of Results Marketing. "We are pleased to have Andy as a presenter and believe that attendees will find his presentation both inspiring and informative." Results Marketing is also the creator of the Idea Lab, a progressive discussion group, and is the hosting sponsor of Leadercast in the Quad-Cities area.
"To receive positive outcomes, you must first be positive," said Andy. "This may sound simple, but you must focus and make an effort to be positive in all aspects of your life. Make sure to talk about things you like, and why your day is going good. Compliment someone or tell them, 'Good job.'" His presentation will stress the need to "Evaluate, Educate, Adapt, and Believe" in life. According to Andy, these abilities are "the reason humans are so amazing."
A Winning Attitude
After his accident, Andy got back into hockey when he joined the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) Blackhawks. His winning attitude prevailed when he set the club's record for points in a season by a rookie. Andy was a member of Team USA in 2006 and helped the team win a bronze medal at the Paralympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy.
Excited to compete again four years later, Andy helped the U.S. capture the gold medal at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada. After the Vancouver Games, Andy took a three-season hiatus to begin a family with his wife Katie. Andy returned to the game as the oldest member and team captain of the 2014 U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team.
Andy manages a prosthetic and orthotic facility and currently resides in Bettendorf with Katie, three-year-old daughter Abby, and newborn son Levi. He is a 2009 graduate of Ashford University with a degree in Business Administration.
The Paralympic Games is a major international multi-sport event, involving athletes with a range of physical challenges. The Paralympics have grown from a small gathering of British World War II veterans in 1948 to become one of today's largest international sporting events. Paralympians strive for equal treatment with non-disabled Olympic athletes. The Paralympic Games are organized in parallel with the Olympic Games.
To find out more about the event or to register, call Les Flesher of Results Marketing at 563-322-2065 or email Les@resultsimc.com. To register online, visit http://www.eventbee.com/v/. You can also follow the Think Tank on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThinkTankQC.
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