Olympic journey repays dad's faith

By KATHERINE HOBY

When Jack Flood took his disabled 18-month-old son to doctors in 1954, he was told to "put that boy in a home and forget about him."

More than 40 years later, he will be on the sidelines to cheer for son "Rossie" - who has cerebral palsy - during October's Paralympics in Sydney.

Ross Flood is repaying the faith his parents showed in him at an early stage of his life.

He will represent New Zealand in boccia, a cross between petanque and indoor bowls.

Team members were asked to nominate a supporter who deserved to go with the entourage and Ross had no hesitation in putting up his greatest supporter - his father.

Team sponsor Telecom is paying for Mr Flood to go to Sydney.

He said he and wife Rona - who died last year, were determined to give their son as normal a life as possible.

"We wanted to keep him in the mainstream. Yes, it was difficult and expensive at times but we were determined."

Mr Flood said his wife walked up and down the street with tears streaming down her cheeks after the doctor told her to put her young son in a home. "Then we decided we'd show him."

The same doctor was astonished when Ross returned to see him at the age of 18, just before going to university. He went on to complete a degree at Auckland University.

"He could not believe it was the same boy. He told us it was only our love and care that had made him the man he was. Of course, part of it was Rossie as well."

Mr Flood says his son had always loved sport but could not participate due to his disability. He had taken up boccia four years ago and was now hooked.

"He suggested I bring my pom-poms and skirt to Sydney but I don't think that'll be happening," Mr Flood chortled.

"It won't stop me being one of the proudest dads on the sideline."

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