RNIB - See Sport Differently

Next in our Vi Cricket 2024 season preview series, as Hubert shines the spotlight on Lancashire Lions, and talks to players about last season’s achievements, and asks about hopes for the next season.

The Great Bristol Run returns in May. Hywel Davies has been hearing about a special challenge for VI runners taking place at this year’s event. You can sign up for the event and find more information here - Bristol VI Runners Challenge - Great Run

RNIB Scotland, Cricket Scotland and Scottish Disability Sport have teamed up to organise an adaptive and inclusive cricket event for blind and partially sighted people in Scotland of all ages. The event is due to take place at Glasgow's Bellahouston Park on Saturday 27th of April and will have both visually impaired and sighted players learning to play the game which will be adapted for those with sight loss. Sighted players will also have the opportunity to wear simulation glasses or eye shades so that they can experience the same challenges as their visually impaired counterparts .Barry Snell caught up with RNIB's Conor Joseph to find out more.Image: RNIB Connect radio logo in black type face. There is a pink line separating the words RNIB from Connect Radio.

Barry Snell learns about the facilities Heart of Midlothian FC provide for their blind and partially sighted football fans.He is talking to Hearts disability access officer Keith Ferguson. Click to learn more about accessibility within Tynecastle ParkImage: RNIB Connect radio logo in black type face. There is a pink line separating the words RNIB from Connect Radio.

Take a swing at golf with England and Wales Blind Golf. They’re on the lookout for new members, collaborators, and guides to help more blind and partially sighted people get active and make new connections. Amelia talked to Andy Gilford and John Kennedy from EWBG for an update on their Spring events. Visit their website ewblindgolf.co.uk/ to learn more Image shows England and Wales Blind Golf logo, featuring a red silhouette in a baseball cap, swinging a golf club.

The Great Bristol Run is making its way back to Bristol this May. Part of the event will be a special 10k run just for VI runners and their guides. As Hywel Davies has been finding out.

To start this VI Cricket series previewing the 2024 season, Hubert has been speaking to the development league team Berkshire Stags about their reflections on the last season, and their hopes for the upcoming season.

The World Triathlon Para Series makes its way back to the UK this summer. Hywel Davies spoke to British PTVI athlete Oscar Kelly as he prepares to take part in the event once again. Find out more information about the event here - 2024 World Triathlon Para Series Swansea – British Triathlon

Barry Snell chats with visually impaired football fan Billy Gilroy, to find out what the matchday experience is like for him following the Scottish football club Hearts FC. Find out more about the service Hearts provide for their disabled supporters {Image shows a bold pink 5-lane running track, white lines divide the lanes as they disappear into the distance with See Sport Differently in black letters below}

The Vindico Arena in Cardiff Bay will be hosting a new series of ice-skating sessions that have been specially designed for blind and partially sighted people. Hywel Davies has been hearing more about the IS-vid project. Find out more here: IS-vid_Accessible | iChope Events CIC

The World Triathlon Para Series makes its way back to the UK this summer. Hywel Davies spoke to British Triathlon’s CEO Ruth Daniels as preparations for the event get underway.Find out more information about the event here - 2024 World Triathlon Para Series Swansea – British Triathlon

A new series of tennis lessons aim to make it easier than ever for blind and partially sighted people to take part in the sport. As Hywel Davies has been finding out.You can find out more about the Wrexham Tennis Centre here - Wrexham Tennis Centre / Wrexham Tennis Centre (lta.org.uk)

For the 2024 6 Nations Rugby, ITV1 tested out live audio description, for 2 matches, for it's blind and partially sighted customers.RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to David Padmore and Matt Simpson, From ITV, to find out what was involved in delivering the service and what customers feedback, on the trial, was like.#RNIBConnectImage shows ITV Sport logo. A white square with 'itv' written in small letters that all curve together without any spaces. Underneath, 'SPORT' is wrriten in bold capital letters. The font has a deep grey-ish green hue.

If you’ve ever fancied trying your hand at blind baseball then two events in South Wales this weekend could be a real home run, as Hywel Davies has been finding out.For more information, visit the Blind Baseball Cymru website - Blind Baseball Cymru – Providers of Blind Baseball in Wales (wordpress.com)Image: Blind Baseball Cymru logo, a welsh dragon behind two crossed baseball bats.

British Blind Sport are a charity which aims to make activities and leisure as accessible as possible for blind and partially sighted people.Their Workforce training programme shows providers how to make their facilities accessible and delivers training to help staff support visually impaired customers. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Frankie Rohan, from BBS, and Rob Clark, from Places Leisure, to find out more.For more information on British Blind Sport, go to www.britishblindsport.org.ukFor your nearest Places Leisure location, go to www.placesleisure.org#RNIBConnectImage: British Blind Sport logo. Three words written in capital letters: British (in red) Blind (in Navy) and Sport (in red again). 2 curved lines, one below, one above, give it a rugby ball like shape with the British flag as the pattern.

Have you heard of Action Audio? A world first, this system is a game-changer for watching live sports like tennis or basketball by improving accessibility of the broadcast for people living with blindness or low vision. Our Paulina spoke with Tim Devine, Executive Director of Innovation at AKQA, to find out more about Action Audio and their plans for 2024. Image shows RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background, 'RNIB' written in bold black letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line, also written in black font: 'Connect Radio.'

There’s a whole day of fun and football on the cards as the Royal National College For The Blind in Hereford prepares to host the next round of fixtures in the European Blind Football League. Hywel Davies has been hearing from RNC’s Head Coach Adam Bendall ahead of the upcoming games.For more information and how to book tickets, visit the RNC website - European Blind Football League Tournament and Festival of Football Tickets, Sat 30 Mar 2024 at 09:00 | Eventbrite

The Change Foundation are giving people in and around Manchester the chance to try VI Rugby this weekend. Hywel Davies has been finding out what it’s like to take to the pitch.

Time to head to the football pitch as our David Hogg catches up with Brighton and Hove Albion’s Jake Heasman.

Menna Fitzpatrick MBE and her Guide Skier Katie Guest got the Para Alpine season off to an excellent start in December with a silver followed by a gold in the St. Moritz Downhill World Cup in Switzerland and have just come back from Spain with even more medals with Bronze medals in both the World Cup Giant Slalom and Super G followed with Gold and Silver in the FIS Super G competitions. In a break in the Alpine para racing RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Menna to find out what that first competition of the season was like, how she and Katie prepare for their race while other skiers are doing their downhill runs, and how the communication and approach for slalom compare to the downhill racing. Menna and Katie along with the rest of the GB Para Alpine Team continue to compete on the slopes for the rest of the season and you can find out more about how they get on by visiting the GB SnowSport website - https://gbsnowsport.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)

If the recent performances of the England para football sides have inspired the young people in your life, then the children’s charity VICTA have an upcoming event to help get them started.

On Saturday 27 January, British Blind Sport together with Scottish Disability Sport hosted a 'Have a Go Day' in Glasgow's Emirates Arena. The event was an opportunity for blind and partially sighted people of all ages to try a sport they have never done before. Our Paulina went along to capture all the action and also had a chance to speak to some very adorable attendees. Image shows British Blind Sport logo on the left and Scottish Disability Sport logo on the right. Both are atop a white background.

On Saturday 27 January, British Blind Sport together with Scottish Disability Sport hosted a 'Have a Go Day' in Glasgow's Emirates Arena. The event was an opportunity for blind and partially sighted people of all ages to try a sport they have never done before. One of the activities on offer was tennis. Image shows a large group of participants playing with audible tennis balls as they learn the techniques of VI tennis. [Image credit: BBS]

On Saturday 27 January, British Blind Sport together with Scottish Disability Sport hosted a 'Have a Go Day' in Glasgow's Emirates Arena. The event was an opportunity for blind and partially sighted people of all ages to try a sport they have never done before. One of the activities on offer was Goalball. Find Glasgow Goalball on twitter/X on Facebook, or get in touch via email: [email protected] Image shows Glasgow Goalball logo. On a navy background a simple lined sketch of a goalball ball with 'GLASGOW GOALBALL' written in two rows to the right of it.

A visually impaired football fan has recently had his match-day experience improved thanks to support received from his local RNIB ECLO (Eye Care Liaison Officer) Bruce Wilson, who has macular degeneration, feared he may have to give up going to football matches due to his diminishing eye sight. That was until RNIB ECLO Roslyn Munro stepped in and spoke with Ross County on Bruce's behalf. The club, who were only too happy to help, have now moved Bruce to a more accessible seat within their Global Energy stadium and is even able to take someone along to the match with him thanks to a free carers ticket the club have also provided him with. Barry Snell spoke to a Bruce and Roslyn to find out more. Find out more about RNIB ECLO's {Image: A view of the pitch at the Global Energy stadium, looking out from the corner flag. There is a sign close by telling everyone to 'please keep off the grass'}

On Saturday 27 January, British Blind Sport together with Scottish Disability Sport hosted a 'Have a Go Day' in Glasgow's Emirates Arena. The event was an opportunity for blind and partially sighted people of all ages to try a sport they have never done before. One of the activities on offer was judo.Image shows a group of participants learning judo techniques on the mat from a male coach in a gi. [Image credit: BBS]

On Saturday 27 January, British Blind Sport together with Scottish Disability Sport hosted a 'Have a Go Day' in Glasgow's Emirates Arena. The event was an opportunity for blind and partially sighted people of all ages to try a sport they have never done before. Whilst there we spoke with Nathan and Hilary from Blind Ice Hockey UK about their club and aspirations for 2024.Image shows Blind Ice Hockey UK logo. A simple stick figure drawn in red and navy ice skating with a hockey stick in hand.

On Saturday 27 January, British Blind Sport together with Scottish Disability Sport hosted a 'Have a Go Day' in Glasgow's Emirates Arena. The event was an opportunity for blind and partially sighted people of all ages to try a sport they have never done before. Whilst there, we spoke with Lynne Glen Head of Development at Scottish Disability Sport and Ian Isham, Head of Sport Development at British Blind Sport. Image shows British Blind Sport logo on the left and Scottish Disability Sport logo on the right. Both are atop a white background.

On Saturday 27 January, British Blind Sport together with Scottish Disability Sport hosted a 'Have a Go Day' in Glasgow's Emirates Arena. The event was an opportunity for blind and partially sighted people of all ages to try a sport they have never done before. One of the activities on offer was Curling. Image: A female participant trying out curling with fellow participants in the background and a coach to her left hand side. [Image credit: BBS}

On Saturday 27 January, British Blind Sport together with Scottish Disability Sport hosted a 'Have a Go Day' in Glasgow's Emirates Arena. The event was an opportunity for blind and partially sighted people of all ages to try a sport they have never done before. Our Paulina was there and spoke with VI Judoka Kirsten Taylor who was there hoping to inspire others into the sport. Image shows Kirsten competing at World Championships 2022. She is wearing a white judo robe (judogi) with a brown belt. Her hair is sleeked back in a tight bun and she is holding onto the lapels of her opponent and seems to be midway through throwing them onto the mat. Her opponent has a dark navy judogi on with a black belt.

Barry Snell chats to British Blind Sport's participation officer Vicky Cook, to learn more about an upcoming 'Have A Go day' where members of the public are invited to try out various blind sports. The event is due to take place at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow on Saturday 27th January between 10am - 3pm. Learn more about British Blind Sport and the service they provide. {Image shows a bold pink 5-lane running track, white lines divide the lanes as they disappear into the distance with See Sport Differently in black letters below}

The ice based sport of curling is becoming more popular among blind and partially sighted people, with teams being set up around the globe. In Scotland, Scottish Disability Golf and Curling provide free tuition and an opportunity to play for fun or in competitions. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell went along to an open day to find out why it's so popular. If you'd like more info, go to www.scottishdgc.org.uk #RNIBConnect Image Shows Scottish Disability Golf & Curling Logo, Blue Background Circle In The Middle with A Curling Stone, Brush And Golf Ball And Golf Club

After an injury at the IBSA World Games this summer, Goalball GB’s Dan Roper is back in the starting line-up and ready for action at December’s European Championships. Hywel Davies heard about his journey back to fitness and hopes for the tournament. You can watch all of the action from the IBSA Goalball European Championships here - International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) - YouTube

UK sight loss charity RNIB has launched a new Accessible Stadium Guide to help football clubs make their stadiums more accessible for anyone who is blind or partially sighted.RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to David McArdle, Director of Equality Diversity and Inclusion for the English Football League.If you’d like more info on the guide, go to www.rnib.org.uk or call the Helpline on 0303 123 9999.#RNIBConnectImage shows a bold pink 5-lane running track, white lines divide the lanes as they disappear into the distance with See Sport Differently in black letters below.

UK sight loss charity RNIB has launched a new Accessible Stadium Guide to help football clubs make their stadiums more accessible for anyone who is blind or partially sighted.RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Gareth Davies, From RNIB, to hear more about the work.If you’d like more info on the guide, go to www.rnib.org.uk or call the Helpline on 0303 123 9999.#RNIBConnectImage shows a bold pink 5-lane running track, white lines divide the lanes as they disappear into the distance with See Sport Differently in black letters below.

Running a marathon can be a great way to not just challenge yourself but also boost your confidence. In 2023, Natassia joined Team RNIB to run in the London Marathon, guided by her brother Max. She spoke with Happy Hour's Paulina about her experience. Listen to the Happy Hour Mondays at 1 pm, repeated Thursdays at 6 pm and Sundays at 10 am. Image: RNIB Connect Radio Bright Green 20th Anniversary Logo. Written in 3 rows in a white font upon a green background: RNIB, Connect Radio, 20th Anniversary. Connect Radio is underlined by a thick white line.

Step Change Studios held their own strictly-style dance competition in Westminster, where 10 disabled dancers took to the stage with a professional. Amelia talked to Rashmi Becker MBE to learn more. Learn more about Step Change Studios by visiting their website www.stepchangestudios.com Image: RNIB Connect Radio Bright Green 20th Anniversary Logo

If you’re looking for a fun new way to get active in South Wales then Blind Baseball could be the answer. You can even try it for yourself at an upcoming open day in Cardiff, as Hywel Davies has been finding out. Visit the Channel View Leisure Centre, Jim Driscoll Way, Cardiff CF11 7HB on Tuesday the 14th of November from 11am-1pm. For more information, you can visit Blind Baseball Cymru on X - twitter.com/b4bcymru - or send an email to [email protected] Image: Blind- Baseball Cymru logo of crossed baseball bats behind a Welsh dragon.

2023 has been quite the year for visually impaired tennis star Naqi Rizvi, who is now the World number one blind tennis player.He’s been sharing his incredible story with RNIB Connect Radio's Barry SnellClick here to learn more about visually impaired tennis and other blind sports{Image shows, A bold pink 5 lane running track, white lines divide the lanes as they disappear into the distance with See Sport Differently in black letters below}

Scottish Disability Golf and Curling is celebrating it’s 20th anniversary.The organisation helps people with all kinds of disabilities take part in golf and curling, from experienced players to complete beginners.RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Jim Gales to learn more about the charity’s beginnings and its growth.If you’d like to learn more about SDGC, go to https://www.scottishdgc.org.uk/#RNIBConnectImage shows Scottish Disability Golf and Curling logo upon a dark navy background.

Rex Blind Party provide audio description at football games throughout Scotland, Barry Snell caught up with their secretary Billy Owen to find out more about the service they provide to blind and partially sighted football fans.Click here to find out more about Rex Blind PartyImage Shows, A Bold Pink 5 Lane Running Track, White Lines Divide the Lanes as They Disappear into the Distance with See Sport Differently in Black Letters Below

On November 3rd, Sight Loss Councils are running Let’s Get Active in York to help blind and partially sighted people in the area get involved in sport and activities. David Hogg finds out more…

Barry Snell chats to RNIB's Collette Kerr who recently became a VI judo champion after success at the British Open Adaptive and Visually Impaired Judo Championships which were held in Wales..Collette talks about what inspired to take up the sport and also about it's many physical and mental benefits and also about blind and partially sighted people should give it a try for themselves.Image Shows, A Bold Pink 5 Lane Running Track, White Lines Divide the Lanes as They Disappear into the Distance with See Sport Differently in Black Letters Below

Barry Snell talks to charity fundraiser Scott Cunningham MBE, who is set to take on his biggest challenge yet the G2E Ultra 56' which is a gruelling 56 mile run from Glasgow to Edinburgh.The event takes place on the 7th October and Scott, who recently bounced back from a massive heart attack, can't wait for it to start.If you would like to support Scott, or to find out more, please click on this linkImage: Picture of Scott and his running guide, running through Glasgow in matching black shorts and T-shirts. Their T-shirts have a gold band with numbers attached, as they are both competing

Let’s go to the golf course now for an update from England and Wales Blind Golf. Amelia talked to B2 champion Stuart and his Caddy, guide and brother-in-law John about their love of the sport. Go to ewblindgolf.co.uk to learn more about EWBG and see their fixture list. You can also email [email protected] Image: England and Wales Blind Golf logo featuring a red figure in a cap swinging a golf club.

The Scottish Disability Golf and Curling charity is dedicated to providing blind and partially sighted people with the opportunity to try golf, no matter what your experience. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Jim Gales, From SDGC, to learn more about the game, it’s social side and how you can grow your participation to compete in global competitions. If you would like to find out more about the organisation, go to https://www.scottishdgc.org.uk/ #RNIBConnect Image Shows The Scottish Disability Golf and Curling Logo

Laura Whittaker had to give up sport when her sight and hearing began to deteriorate.However, with the help of her local tandem club, she began to love sport and all the benefits of being active with different groups of people.RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Laura to find out what she loves about sport and what she loves about her new activity, Triathlon.If you’d like more info on accessible sport and activities, go to www.seesportdifferently.org.ukYou can also go to www.britishblindsport.org.uk for more details.#RNIBConnectImage Shows, A Bold Pink 5 Lane Running Track, White Lines Divide the Lanes as They Disappear into the Distance with See Sport Differently in Black Letters Below

Laura Whittaker loved sport but found it difficult to participate in many of her favourites, after being diagnosed with sight and hearing loss.After joining a tandem cycling club, she then took the leap into the world of Triathlon.RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Laura about her sporting passion and why she thinks more blind and partially sighted people should take up a sport.If you’d like more details on activities for blind and partially sighted people, go to www.seesportdifferently.org.ukYou can also get more help from RNIB by calling their helpline on 03031239999.#RNIBConnectImage Shows A Bold Pink 5 Lane Running Track, White Lines Divide the Lanes as They Disappear into the Distance with See Sport Differently in Black Letters Below

Blind baseball is a popular sport around the UK. Cardiff will become the latest city to host a Blind Baseball Festival later this month, as Hywel Davies found out. Image shows Blind Baseball Cymru Logo of the Welsh dragon and a baseball on top of two crossed baseball bats.

Now that the 2023 IBSA World Games have concluded, Martin Wingfield, RNIB’s Head of Brand, speaks to Hywel Davies about the impact of the event.