RNIB - See Sport Differently

With the IBSA World Games 2023 coming to Birmingham, we’ve been talking to some of the athletes taking part.Amelia talked to 2021 Judo Gold Medallist, Chris Skelley MBE, before he fights it out on the mat.For more information about the IBSA World Games visit International Blind Sport Federation (IBSA) World Games – 14th – 27th August 2023 (ibsagames2023.co.uk)Image: RNIB Connect Radio Bright Green 20th Anniversary Logo.

Thinking about starting a Goalball club? Amelia talked to Alex Bunney from Goalball UK about how they can support you and why they’re excited for the IBSA games. Learn more by visiting the Goalball UK website https://goalballuk.com/ Image: RNIB Connect Radio Bright Green 20th Anniversary Logo.

This summer over 1,250 blind and partially sighted athletes from 70 countries are competing in 10 sports at the IBSA World Games in Burmingham. Our David Hogg caught up with one of them, VI Judoka Evan Molloy.

Let’s look ahead at the IBSA World Games taking place later this month.Our Paulina finds out a bit more about the game of goalball from Goalball Competition Manager Dina Murdie, who has 35 years of coaching and officiating experience with goalball and will overseee the smooth running of the competition at this year's event. For more information about the IBSA World Games visit: International Blind Sport Federation (IBSA) World Games – 14th – 27th August 2023 (ibsagames2023.co.uk)Image: RNIB Connect Radio Bright Green 20th Anniversary Logo.

GB Archery star Clive Jones looks ahead to the IBSA World Games 2023.With athletes from around the globe coming to Birmingham the event is sure to be spectacular.Despite the tough competition though Clive is hoping for a podium finish.He's been talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Barry SnellFor more information on the IBSA World Games 2023 visitwww.ibsagames2023.co.uk#SeeSportDifferently

Before the IBSA World Games get underway in Birmingham in just a few days time, Hywel Davies has been finding out more about what we can expect from the event.For more information on the 2023 IBSA World Games in Birmingham, visit www.ibsagames2023.co.uk

In preparation for the IBSA World Games 2023, we've been catching up with some of the athletes taking part. In this episode, Hubert catches up with England Women's Blind Football player Ayman Hafiz.

The game of VI Rugby continues to grow in South Wales. Hywel Davies has been speaking to one of the game’s newest players.For more information on the Ospreys VI Rugby Side, visit their website: Ospreys Visually Impaired (VI) Rugby | Ospreys (ospreysrugby.com) If you're interested in talking part in a new sport, See Sport Differently website has plenty of ideas about where to start: See Sport Differently I RNIB | RNIBImage description: Image shows Mona at the outdoor training session, wearing a pink RNIB t-shirt, about to catch a yellow rugby ball.

Each month RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell talks with the team at British Blind Sport to discuss some of their big stories, encourage you to come along to their events and look at ways to encourage blind and partially sighted people to get active, whatever their ability or fitness level.This month, their CEO, Alaina MacGregor, gives us the latest news on the IBSA World Games which start on August 17th in Birmingham and you can get tickets to the global event.If you’d like more info on the games, go to www.ibsagames2023.co.ukIf you want to learn more about British Blind Sport, go to www.britishblindsport.org.ukYou can also call 01926 424247 or email [email protected]#RNIBConnectImage: British Blind Sport logo.

The World Triathlon Para Series is heading back to Swansea this weekend. Hywel Davies finds out how you can get involved.You can find more information on the British Triathlon website - 2023 World Triathlon Para Series Swansea – British Triathlon

Time for a Summer update with England and Wales Blind Golf (EWBG).Amelia talked to sighted guide, volunteer co-ordinator and organiser Di Daniels about their recent Strokeplay championships and heard the amazing story of B1 Spanish Open Champion, Billy McAllister, who found hope and community through blind golf after losing his sight overnight.Go to ewblindgolf.co.uk to learn more about EWBG and see their fixture list.You can also email [email protected] Description: England and Wales Blind Golf logo featuring a red figure in a cap swinging a golf club.

The ‘See Sport Differently’ campaign is all about getting more blind and partially sighted people involved in sport and exercise. Hywel speaks to British Blind Sport’s Ian Isham about the impact of the campaign so far.You can find more information at See Sport Differently I RNIB | RNIBImage shows a logo. Atop a white background 5 stripes run at an angle narrowing down towards the upper right corner, thy take the shape of a running track. Beneath: 'See Sport Differently' written in black.

Each week we chat with RNIB’s CEO Matt Stringer to discuss the big news affecting the charity.This week’s update was recorded during the RNIB Scotland, inclusive Design for Sustainability conference held at the Glasgow Science Centre 21 / 22 June 2023.Matt began his update by reflecting on the first day of the conference, mentioning some of the conference Key Speaker presentations, how technology has evolved to help to change the lives of many blind and partially sighted people and what more the RNIB could be doing around technology.During the conference a reception was held at Glasgow City Council’s civic chambers to celebrate RNIB Connect Radio’s 20th Birthday and Matt talked about how thee RNIB will be looking to support the great work of the radio station for the next 20 years.If you have any questions at all relating to sight loss or just looking for help and advice, please do call the RNIB helpline on 0303 123 9999 or use your Amazon device and ask Lady A to call the RNIB and speak to one of our Sight Loss Advisors or do visit the RNIB website where you will find a wealth of information and advice too- https://www.rnib.org.ukImage Shows RNIB’s CEO Matt Stringer, Matt's Wearing A Blue Shirt & Jacket, with a Leafy Green Background

Keen cyclists, Beth and Cheryl are hoping to make a difference this summer as they prepare to cycle the length of UK, so a journey of over 1,000 miles, all in support of their local Tandem cycling club. Beth and Cheryl are in the middle of preparations for their trip, but they managed to make some time in their busy schedule to catch up with our Paulina Kuchorew. You can support their ride here: Crowdfunding to provide funds for Glasgow Tandem Club on JustGiving Image shows Beth and Cheryl on a blue tandem, smiling as they cycle with some lovely country views behind them.

British Blind Sport run Have A Go Day taster sessions across many locations, giving blind and partially sighted people the chance to try different activities, with opportunities to take them up on a more regular basis.There’s also going to be a, similar, Activation Zone at August’s IBSA World Games in Birmingham.RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Ian Isham and Victoria Cook to find out more about the free sessions.If you’d like more info on accessible sports, go to www.britishblindsport.org.ukFor more details on the World Games in Birmingham, go to www.ibsagames2023.co.uk#RNIBConnectImage Shows A Eye Shape Logo, Using the Union Flag Colours and Design of Red, White and Blue, with British Blind Sport Running Through the Centre of the Eye, Side to Side, British Blind Sport is in Bold Capital Letters, British is Red in Colour, Blind is Blue, Sport Being Red.

Blind and partially sighted tennis is, globally, one of the fastest growing sports for people with a sight loss condition.It’s growth has now reached world tournaments, including the IBSA World Games which is coming to Birmingham in August 2023.RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Frankie Rohan, a blind tennis coach, to learn more about the sport.If you’d like more info on accessible sports, go to www.britishblindsport.org.ukFor more details on the World Games in Birmingham, go to www.ibsagames2023.co.uk#RNIBConnectImage showsRNIB logo, A top a white background 5 stripes run at an angle narrowing down, they take the shape of a running track. Beneath: 'See Sport Differently' written in black.

The ‘See Sport Differently’ campaign is all about getting more blind and partially sighted people involved in sport and exercise. Hywel speaks to See Sport Differently Champion Cyreeta Donaldson about getting back into exercise after becoming a mum. You can find more information at See Sport Differently I RNIB | RNIB Image shows a logo. Atop a white background 5 stripes run at an angle narrowing down towards the upper right corner, thy take the shape of a running track. Beneath: 'See Sport Differently' written in black.

The ‘See Sport Differently’ campaign is all about getting more blind and partially sighted people involved in sport and exercise. Now, we find out more about how Patricia McKnight's life was changed when she walked into her local leisure centre. Image shows a logo. Atop a white background 5 stripes run at an angle narrowing down towards the upper right corner, thy take the shape of a running track. Beneath: 'See Sport Differently' written in black.

The ‘See Sport Differently’ campaign is all about getting more blind and partially sighted people involved in sport and exercise. Hywel speaks to Megan Price, who after a difficult start with sport, found her place in Goalball.You can find more information at See Sport Differently I RNIB | RNIBImage shows a logo. Atop a white background 5 stripes run at an angle narrowing down towards the upper right corner, thy take the shape of a running track. Beneath: 'See Sport Differently' written in black.

The ‘See Sport Differently’ campaign is all about getting more blind and partially sighted people involved in sport and exercise. Ken Reid talks about tandem cycling, swimming and setting achievable goals. You can find more information at See Sport Differently I RNIB | RNIB Image shows a logo. Atop a white background 5 stripes run at an angle narrowing down towards the upper right corner, thy take the shape of a running track. Beneath: 'See Sport Differently' written in black.

Barry Snell chats to Gordon Harries about his love of bowling, sight loss and the benefits of getting involved in sport and exercise Take the See Sport Differently quiz at SeeSportDifferently.org.uk/QuizImage shows RNIB logo, A top a white background 5 stripes run at an angle narrowing down towards the upper right corner, they take the shape of a running track. Beneath: 'See Sport Differently' written in black.

Barry Snell chats to Paul Russell about his love of Sport and the various blind sports he has been involved with. Paul also discusses some of the difficult challenges he has faced because of his sight loss.Take the See Sport Differently quiz at SeeSportDifferently.org.uk/QuizImage shows RNIB logo, A top a white background 5 stripes run at an angle narrowing down towards the upper right corner, they take the shape of a running track. Beneath: 'See Sport Differently' written in black.

In Metro Blind Sport’s 50th anniversary golden year at Mile End Stadium in East London over the weekend of Saturday 24th June and Sunday 25th June they will be holding their 45th free Athletics Open and Fun Day. RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Gareth Dawson from Metro Blind Sport to find out more about this free fun-filled family sporty day out for everyone. Gareth began by telling Toby a bit about the history of Metro Blind Sport and the Athletics Open and Fun Day before going into a bit more detail about what will be on offer for blind and partially sighted people on both the athletics day on the Saturday and the fun day on the Sunday. The deadline for completed entries for the Metro Blind Sport’s Athletics Open and Fun Day 2023 is Wednesday 31 May 2023 and more details along with entry forms can be obtained by emailing [email protected] or by searching for Metro Blind Sport on Twitter. (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)

Scottish Disability Golf and Curling gives people, with a range of disabilities, the opportunity to get professional coaching and golf sessions, even if they’ve never held a club before.RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Jim Gales, from SDGC, to find out more.If you’d like more info, go to www.scottishdgc.org.uk#RNIBConnectImage shows RNIB logo, A top a white background 5 stripes run at an angle narrowing down towards the upper right corner, they take the shape of a running track. Beneath: 'See Sport Differently' written in black.

David Hogg chats to RNIB See Sport Differently Champion Alessio Verrecchia about his sight loss and sporting achievements Whoever you are, there’s an activity for you – and that’s a big part of the message we’re trying to spread. Getting active isn’t about being the best. It’s about moving more, meeting people, and having fun. Take the See Sport Differently quiz at SeeSportDifferently.org.uk/Quiz Image shows RNIB logo, A top a white background 5 stripes run at an angle narrowing down towards the upper right corner, they take the shape of a running track. Beneath: 'See Sport Differently' written in black.

See Sport Differently is RNIB's new initiative to get more people with sight loss feeling the benefits of sport and exercise, with that in mind, our David Hogg chats to Yaya Pandor about his love of Brazilian Ju-Jitsu and how sport has benefited him.Image shows a logo. Atop a white background 5 stripes run at an angle narrowing down towards the upper right corner, thy take the shape of a running track. Beneath: 'See Sport Differently' written in black.

Now David Hogg speaks to RNIB See Sport Differently Champion George Sullivan about his sporting achievements and ways to get involved in sports when you have sight loss. To take part in the See Sport Differently quiz at SeeSportDifferently.org.uk/Quiz Image shows RNIB logo, A top a white background 5 stripes run at an angle narrowing down towards the upper right corner, they take the shape of a running track. Beneath: 'See Sport Differently' written in black.

The ‘See Sport Differently’ campaign is all about getting more blind and partially sighted people involved in sport and exercise. Now, we find out more about the impact that sport has made to one man.You can find more information at See Sport Differently I RNIB | RNIBImage shows a logo. Atop a white background 5 stripes run at an angle narrowing down towards the upper right corner, thy take the shape of a running track. Beneath: 'See Sport Differently' written in black.

There’s a new campaign designed to get blind and partially sighted people to be more active. Hywel Davies speaks to RNIB's Gareth Davies to hear more about ‘See Sport Differently’.You can find more information at See Sport Differently I RNIB | RNIBImage shows a logo. Atop a white background 5 stripes run at an angle narrowing down towards the upper right corner, thy take the shape of a running track. Beneath: 'See Sport Differently' written in black.

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.