RNIB - See Sport Differently

Looking back at an exciting weekend of football, once again it's our Allan Russell and Paralympian and Chief Executive of the British Paralympic Association, Dave Clarke.Listen out for another catch up with Dave next Monday on the Daily Connect from 9 AM and the Afternoon Edition from 3 PM.Image is a headshot of Dave smiling at the camera.

August 2023 will se almost 70 countries send their blind and partially sighted athletes to Birmingham, UK, to compete in the IBSA World Games.The global event includes qualifiers for some of the sports you’ll see as part of the Paralympics.RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Alaina MacGregor, from British Blind Sport, and Matthew Clayton, from Blind Sports Australia, to discuss the event.If you’d like more info about the games, go to www.ibsagames2023.co.uk#RNIBConnectImage International Blind Sports Federation Logo, IBSA in Bold Green Letters with Smaller Letters Below Reading, International Blind Sports Federation

There is a famous phrase or saying that goes along the lines of ‘everyone has a book inside them’ which might be true but what about the challenges of not only writing your first book but self publishing it too. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Helen McCann a Guide Dog Owner from Somerset who has not only written her first book ‘Running Blind’ but is also self publishing the book too. Helen’s marathon running story starts in 2016 when Helen was challenged to run the Bath Half Marathon and the London Marathon 2017. At the time Helen was 59 years old, a non runner and a sucker for a challenge, so Helen decided she was going to do both events with a guide runner.It was during Helen’s preparation for both events running out on the roads and in the gym that many people suggested that she should write a book about not just her marathon journey but also her personal life story too and how she had overcome disabilities to live a full and active life. Helen tells Toby about her training for the two marathon running events, what it was like waiting in the holding pens before the start gun and finding her pace with her Guide Runner.To then giving a bit of insight into some of her personal life that readers will find in ‘Running Blind’ before talking about how Helen found the self publishing process as a visually impaired person. ‘Running Blind’ will be published by Helen towards the end of May in standard and large print with the hope that an audio book version will also be available soon. You can find out more about how to order your copy of ‘Running Blind’ by Helen McCann by either emailing [email protected] or if you are on Facebook just search for Running Blind Helen McCann to find Helen’s Facebook page. (Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

England and Wales Blind Golf took a visit to South Africa for the long-awaited World Championships and South African Open. Amelia got and update from Secretary and B2 World Champion Andy Gilford, and heard from 86-year-old golfer Danny and his wife and sighted guide Di about what the sport means to them. Go to ewblindgolf.co.uk to learn more about Blind Golf. Image Description: England and Wales Blind Golf logo featuring a red figure in a cap swinging a golf club.

The countdown is well underway for a great summer of para sports. Hywel Davies caught up with Adam Lione from the England Partially Sighted Football side, to hear about their latest training camp.Image: Adam kicking the ball while taking part in a football training session.

Ramblers GB encourages us to get out and about to improve our physical and mental health. As well as showing us great walks, for all abilities, their volunteers maintain and look after a great many routes for us to enjoy. The association has just unveiled it’s new President who’s dedicated to growing our interest in getting out and about. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Tom Platt, from The Ramblers, and their new President. For more info on the organisation, go to www.ramblers.org.uk #RNIBConnect Image: Amar Latif, Ramblers New President

Saturday April 8th will see the latest round of matches for the European Blind Football League come to Hereford.The Royal National College for the Blind will not only host the matches, their own team will be taking part.RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Coach Adam Bendall and 1 of their players, Kieran Clarke, to find out more…You can watch the matches, with audio described commentary, by going to www.rnc.ac.ukOr via their Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/RNCHereford#RNIBConnectImage: The Royal National College for the Blind, Blind Football Team

Ahead of the World Blind Games in Birmingham this summer, we’re getting to know some of the athletes taking part. Hywel Davies has been speaking to Archer Clive Jones.You can find out more about finding a sport that’s right for you by visiting the British Blind Sport activity finder – www.britishblindsport.org.uk/see-sport-differently

Step Change Studios is an award-winning dance company which provides classes for all abilities and ages. Amelia talked to Step Change Studio founder, Dr Rashmi Becker MBE, about how the company began, their upcoming free Bollywood and Latin dance classes for blind and partially sighted students and how they're making dance more inclusive by providing training for fitness and dance professionals.You can learn more about the classes, workshops and future events from Step Change Studios by going to their website stepchangestudios.com

If you know a young person who’s looking for a new challenge, VI Rugby might be the answer, as Hywel Davies finds out.To find out more information about the Dragons VI Rugby sessions, contact Inclusion Officer Karen Burgess via email at [email protected]

British Blind Sport has launched new training sessions to help organisations from across the private, public and 3rd sectors, make their sport and leisure activities accessible and inclusive for blind and partially sighted people of all ages. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Frankie, from BBS, to find out more.You can get more info on the training and the work of BBS by visiting www.britishblindsport.org.uk#RNIBConnectImage: British Blind Sport logo

Are you looking to get out and about? With more on how you can keep active in the Glasgow area, here's David Hogg.

Every year, thousands of people take part in the Kiltwalk to raise money for their chosen charity. David Hogg spoke with this year's RNIB Kiltwalk Ambassador Shona Black about her preparations for the event and how you can get involved.

The International Blind Sport Federation, IBSA, will showcase some of the best blind and partially sighted athletes in it’s world games, when it comes to Birmingham in August 2023.RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to John Timms, Event Director, to find out how plans are progressing for the global event.If you’d like more info on the games, go to www.ibsagames2023.co.uk#RNIBConnectImage: The International Blind Sport Federation

British Blind Sport is taking bookings for it’s annual swimming gala and there’s something for non swimmers and those who want to take things to a more professional level. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Ian Isham, from BBS, to find out more about the day and how to register. You can get more from www.britishblindsport.org.uk #RNIBConnect Image: British Blind Sport logo

Visually impaired skier Menna Fitzpatrick became Britain’s most decorated Paralympic skier after winning a silver and bronze medal at the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympic Games with her guide skier Gary Smith. Menna and her guide skier Katie Guest have just come back from the 2023 Para Alpine World Championships in Spain with a silver in the Giant Slalom and a bronze in the Slalom to add to Menna’s growing medal tally.RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Menna to find out more about how she and Katie got on at the 2023 Para Alpine Worlds.Menna began by giving Toby a run down on how the conditions were on the slopes out in Spain, what the competition was like and how close the skiing was.Then Menna explained to Toby how she and Katie work together when skiing, how menna has to rely more on the radio coms between her and Katie when the conditions on the slopes are not so good for the level of vision she has especially when it is very sunny and there are very light and very dark patches on the slopes.Toby ended by asking Menna whether she and Katie have their sights on competing in the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Italy and how she and the rest of the team relax when they are not training or competing.If you would like to find out more about how to get into skiing and take your first steps out on the slopes as a blind or partially sighted person, then do visit the Disability Snow Sport UK website for more details on how to start skiing - https://www.disabilitysnowsport.org.uk(Image shows Menna competing in a slalom race in her GB kit and turning tightly past a blue flag. In the foreground and out of focus is her guide skier Katie can be seen skiing and wearing a hi-vis orange jacket)

A unique event in Cardiff brought together blind and partially sighted children to learn more about VI rugby and to prove that when it comes to sport, there’s a jersey for everyone. You can find out more about Cardiff VI Rugby including details on how to join their training sessions by following them on Twitter - @CardiffVIRugby or by emailing Evan Vaughan-Lewis, [email protected]

England and Wales Blind Golf are helping players and sighted guides to get active, form friendships and get into the swing of the game. Amelia talked to the charity’s secretary Andy and sighted guide Geoff for more… Go to ewblindgolf.co.uk to learn more Image Description: England and Wales Blind Golf logo featuring a red figure in a cap swinging a golf club.

After getting serious about outdoor swimming during the lockdown in 2020, one RNIB volunteer swam the English Channel as part of a relay team. He tells Hywel Davies that he didn't let his sight loss slow him down.

England and Wales Blind Golf (EWBG) are hosting open days so blind and partially sighted people can get active and connect with others through the sport.Amelia talked to EWBG Secretary Andy Gilford, Trafford Golf Centre Manager Pete Styles and John Biesse from Timebanking UK about the success of the last open day and how people can get involved…The next open day is on Tuesday the 31st January at the Warwickshire in the Midlands, Visit www.ewblindgolf.co.uk to learn more about EWBG and the upcoming Open Day.Visit www.timebanking.org to learn more about Timebanking UK.Visit www.traffordgolfcentre.co.uk to learn more about Trafford Golf Centre.Image: Golfers teeing up and swinging golf clubs, some with sighted helpers aiding them to position clubs in a row of driving range bays.

Former international blind footballer and Chief Operations Officer for UK sight loss charity RNIB, David Clarke, has been appointed as the new CEO of the British Paralympic Association.RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to David ahead of his move.#RNIBConnectImage shows David Clarke.

Our David Hogg has more on how you can get out and about in Edinburgh To find out more or to get involved in the East Lothian Health Walk group you can email Shona at [email protected]

Sam Gough is a blind sports sensation. She joined Amelia Hilton to talk about her Swimming, Blind Football, and Goalball triumphs.Image: RNIB Connect Radio logo.

What's it like going to the World Cup when you're blind? How can you enjoy audio description live from the ground when you're thousands of miles away? Dave Williams speaks to blind football fan Pardy Gill about his experiences watching World Cup football in Qatar. They also discuss how you can access live audio description for all the remaining games. Download information for the FIFA Interpreting app can be found here: iOS: FIFA Interpreting on the App Store (apple.com) Google Play Store: FIFA Interpreting - Apps on Google Play Event Codes for remaining matches: December 9: Netherlands vs Argentina - ADCLUS December 9: Croatia vs Brazil - ADCECS December 10: Morocco vs Portugal - ADCATS December 10: England vs France - ADCABS December 13: Semi Final - ADCLUS December 14: Semi Final - ADCABS December 17: Third Place Play-Off: ADCKIS December 18: Final - ADCLUS

RNIB's Chief Operating Officer David Clarke is a huge football fan and had a successful career playing for the England International blind football team. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to David about the forthcoming World Cup in Qatar, discussing their tips for the winners, audio described matches and some of the controversy around the games. #RNIBConnect Image: RNIB See Sport Differently logo

RNIB's Chief Operating Officer David Clarke is a huge football fan and had a successful career playing for the England International blind football team.RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to David about the forthcoming World Cup in Qatar, discussing their tips for the winners, audio described matches and some of the controversy around the games.#RNIBConnectImage: RNIB See Sport Differently logo

British blind sport have launched two new toolkits, for sight loss societies & sports providers, to make getting active more accessible.RNIB's Connect radio Allan Russell spoke to Charlotte from BBS to find out more.For more details go to www.britishblindsport.org.uk#RNIBConnect Image: RNIB See Sport Differently

if your blind or partially sighted & live in Scotland, Scottish disability golf & curling have a great opportunity fir you to try curling or golf.RNIB's connect radio Allan Russell spoke to Jim Gayle's to learn more about the opportunities to play for fun or competitively.#RNIBConnect Image RNIB's See Sport Differently logo

Do you know a young person with sight loss who'd like to be more active? Hywel Davies has been hearing about a new taster session to get people moving.For further information on the upcoming football training sessions in Edinburgh, contact Neil Atkinson on 07858 687 528 or email [email protected]

The home of English football, St George's Park training facility, has just celebrated its 10th birthday. Hywel Davies spoke to Catherine Gilby, Head of Para Performance for the English FA, to see what a difference-maker the facility has been for English para sides. Image shows English FA Logo. Three lions in a white shield.

2023 will see the IBSA World Games come to Birmingham. The games are for blind and partially sighted elite athletes and will be a springboard for the next Paralympic Games. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Alaina MacGregor, CEO of British Blind Sport, and Sandro Di Girolamo, IBSA President, to find out more. If you'd like more on the games, go to www.ibsasport.org Or www.BritishBlindSport.org.uk #RNIBConnect Image: RNIB See Sport Differently logo

Step Change Studios is an award-winning, pioneering dance company committed to making dance accessible for everyone. Thanks to support from Metro Blind Sport they have been running Weekly Ballroom And Latin Dance Classes for adults who are visually impaired. Their founder, Rashmi Becker MBE has been telling our Paulina Kuchorew all about them. The classes take place Sundays 2:30 PM at the Seymour Leisure Centre in Westminster. Find out more here: Home | Step Change Studios or get in touch via email: [email protected] Image shows two people dancing. A man dressed in black and a woman dressed in a flowing red gown.

Would you like to spend a week on a yacht, sailing around parts of the English South coast in July 2023?If your blind or partially sighted, even if you've never been on a boat before, there's an invite for you to get involved.RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Will Bridge, one of the organisers, to learn more about the week and how people can apply.Applications open on January 1st 2023, with the week beginning on July 8th, and if you'd like more info, go to www.sailingvision.org#RNIBConnectImage: RNIB See Sport Differently logo

Time to take to the waters and catch up with visually impaired Sailor Emily Wright to find out what it was like competing in her first Blind Match Racing Championships in France.Emily first took up sailing through the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. With the support of the Trust Emily has gained her Royal Yachting Association Day Skipper certificate, competed in her first yacht race with Round the Island Race earlier this summer on board the trust’s yacht Solent Hero with Ellen joining them for the race too and has now competed in her first Blind match Racing Championships with GBR Blind Sailing.RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Emily to find out how the blind Match Racing Championships went in France, how match racing differs from both yacht races like Round the Island Race and blind fleet racing.Emily explained to Toby how blind Match Racing works as unlike blind fleet racing where there is a mix of both visually impaired and sighted crew on board in match racing it is just the visually impaired sailors on board, using sounds on the boats and the marks marking the course, with match racing being one boat against another and a bit like playing chess on the water. Emily talked about what she will take from her blind match racing experience to her racing with her sighted friends at University and to other up-coming blind racing championships too.If like Emily you would like to get into sailing and racing as a blind or partially sighted person then do visit the GBR Blind Sailing website where you will find out more about opportunities to get into sailing and race training-https://www.gbrblindsailing.co.ukFor more about the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, visit the Trust’s website-https://www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org(Image shows Emily's Team's yacht with two white sails up with the letters 'FRA' written on them in black. There are three people sat onboard, one of whom is facing towards the camera and smiling)

Scottish Disability Golf and Curling is a charity which enables anyone to pick up a golf club, play for fun, play to an international tournament level, or just have a game and socialise. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jim Gales to hear about some recent tournaments and how beginners are encouraged to come along and have a go. If you'd like more info on SDGC, go to www.scottishdgc.org.uk or call 07903596552. #RNIBConnect Image shows a golf course.

British Blind Sport, along with UK Deaf Sport and Sport Birmingham, are hosting an event on August 18th 2022 to give 10 to 20 year olds, with disabilities, the chance to try some Commonwealth Games sports.The free family fun day aims to be a fun and exciting event for everyone.RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Connor, from British Blind Sport, to find out more about the free event and how to register.For more information, go to www.britishblindsport.org.uk or email [email protected]#RNIBConnectImage: See Sport Differently logo

What were the Top 10 moments of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games?Our sports experts Allan Russell and Tom Burton take a look back at the big sporting event and the thrilling Closing Ceremony.What were your favourite moments from the Games? Let us know at [email protected] shows the Commonwealth Games Birmingham 2022 logo.

Our roving reporter Allan Russell is back in the studios, and joined by our sports expert Tom Burton to take a look ahead at today's action at the Commonwealth Games and of course, the exciting Closing Ceremony! Image shows the Commonwealth Games Birmingham 2022 logo.

The para lawn bowls have concluded at this year's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and Allan Russell spoke to the gold medal winners from Scotland, George Miller, Melanie Inness, and Sarah Jane Ewing. Image shows the Commonwealth Games Birmingham 2022 logo.

Thursday evening saw the final of the Men's 100 meter T11 T12 race at the Alexandra stadium in Birmingham.Allan Russell was there and spoke to England's Zac Shaw, who was aiming for a medal. Image shows Allan interviewing Zac. They sit facing each other. Allan is wearing his headphones and holding out a microphone to Zac, whilst the athlete has the flag of England draped around his shoulders.

With the fantastic success of the England Lionesses winning the 2022 Euros you might be wanting to know a bit more about the history of Women’s Football? Audio description company Rational Method have produced recorded descriptions for the exhibition ’Stoppage Time: Sheffield Women’s Football Her Story at Sheffield Library and the descriptions are available online too.The Stoppage Time exhibition recognises and celebrates women’s involvement in football in and around Sheffield and beyond, from the 19th century to the present day.RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Nathan Geering from Rational Method to find out more about the exhibition and the recorded descriptions.Nathan began by telling Toby a bit about the background to Rational Method and the type of audio description they produce which also uses beat box and sound affects to describe movement in dance and the performing arts.Nathan also talked about how Rational Method started working with FURD (Football Unites, Racism Divides) on the descriptions of the photographs, posters and other exhibits that make up the exhibition ’Stoppage Time: Sheffield Women’s Football Her Story’ with Nathan highlighting one of the exhibits that showcases how women’s football was promoted and marketed back in the 1980s and how we have come on a long way since then. The audio descriptions for ‘Stoppage Time: Sheffield Women’s Football Her Story’ can be found by visiting the following website-https://www.welcometosheffield.co.uk/visit/uefa-women-s-euro-2022/stoppage-time-Sheffield-women-s-football-herstory-exhibition/To find out more about Nathan and Rational Method do visit the following website-https://rationalemethod.com(Image shows RNIB logo. 'RNIB' written in black capital letters over a white background and underlined with a bold pink line, with the words 'See differently' underneath)

What's it like volunteering at the Commonwealth Games?Our Paulina Kuchorew chats with visually impaired volunteer Alison Smith about her experience.Image shows the Commonwealth Games Birmingham 2022 logo.

Chloe MacCombe and her twin sister Judith were competing in the Commonwealth Games Triathlon event in Birmingham last weekend. Our Allan Russell spoke to Chloe to find out how they got on, how they work with guides during the race and what's their next competition. Image shows the Commonwealth Games Birmingham 2022 logo.

Go behind the Commonwealth Games with our Tech Talk host Dave Williams, who looks back at his experience attending the Athletics with his son. Dave spoke with Afternoon Edition's David Hogg. Image shows the Commonwealth Games Birmingham 2022 logo.

Let's travel down to Birmingham as our Allan Russell catches up with one athlete that had a pretty good run at the heats today. Image shows Allan interviewing Zac. They sit facing each other. Allan is wearing his headphones and holding out a microphone to Zac, whilst the athlete cradles his bright orange runners.

Commonwealth Games' big crunch match was at the para lawn balls court today.Once the final bowl has landed, our Allan Russell caught up with the mixed pairs teams from England and Scotland.Good luck to the teams tomorrow and make sure to subscribe to our RNIB See Sport Differently podcast and keep up to date with all the action.Image shows the Commonwealth Games Birmingham 2022 logo.

Allan Russell is at the Para Bowls heats for the 2022 Commonwealth Games and spoke with Judy Plater, from Disability Bowls, to look at one of today's crunch matches and to encourage more people to join the growing sport.Image shows the Commonwealth Games Birmingham 2022 logo.

What's the action like at the Commonwealth Games this Monday?Our roving reporter Allan Russell looks back at today's events and highlights what else we can look forward to throughout.Image shows the Commonwealth Games Birmingham 2022 logo.

The World Para Triathlon Series makes its way to the UK for the first time this weekend. We spoke to Tom Hodgkinson, Head of Paratriathlon for British Triathlon to find out what the event means for the sport and its future.For more information on all things para triathlon, visit the British Triathlon website at www.britishtriathlon.org Image Shows: British Triathlon Logo

Time to reflect on their first Para Tandem Commonwealth Games as Libby Cleg MBE and Jenny Holl chat with our Toby Davey about their first Games and Libby swapping her running spikes for a Para Tandem.Image shows the Commonwealth Games Birmingham 2022 logo.