S1 Ep916: Mike Brace CBE Shares His Thoughts About the Tokyo Paralympic Games
With the Tokyo Paralympic Games just around the corner here on RNIB Connect Radio we have been chatting with blind and partially sighted Paralympians, sportsmen and sportswomen to gage their thoughts on the Games and how visually impaired members of the GB Paralympic Team may fare in Tokyo.    Our Toby Davey caught up with Mike Brace CBE, former Paralympic Skier and part of the team that brou...
8m Aug 19, 2021
8m
S1 Ep852: Golfer Barry McCluskey Reflects On Recent British Masters
Scottish blind golfer Barry McCluskey recently took part in the Lawrence Levy British Masters blind golf event which was held in Coleford, England. RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell caught up with him to find out more about the event and also about Barry's busy schedule, which includes preparing for the upcoming British Open. {image: Photograph of Barry crouching down on the golf course. He is...
6m Aug 17, 2021
6m
S1 Ep851: Lora Fachie Ready For Tokyo Paralympics
Lora Fachie, MBE is a four time gold medal winning para-cyclist who is due to compete in the upcoming Paralympic Games in Tokyo. Can Laura add to her impressive medals haul this time around? She has been talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell  {Image: Close up shot of Lora Fachie and her pilot, Corrine Hall tandem cycling with huge smiles on their faces}
9m Aug 17, 2021
9m
S1 Ep822: Roger Cole Gets Back On The Golf Course
Barry Snell chats to RNIB presenter Roger Cole about his love of blind golf. Roger has been playing for more than ten years and feels it has really boosted his health & wellbeing. He would also encourage more blind and partially sighted people giving it a try. If you would like to find out more about blind golf and links to your nearest clubs click on the link below https://www.internationa...
7m Aug 12, 2021
7m
S1 Ep850: Free Sport And Leisure Taster Day Coming To Hull
The charity British Blind Sport (BBS) is about to host its second face to face taster day in Hull on Saturday 7th August 2021. If you're blind or partially sighted, why not come along and try out some sports and leisure activities in a safe and fun environment? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to David Melville, from BBS, to hear more about the event and what's on. If you'd like more...
5m Jul 23, 2021
5m
S1 Ep849: Free Taster Offer From Scottish Blind Golf
If you live in Scotland and are blind or partially sighted, did you know that you can join others and learn to play golf and take part in tournaments and social gatherings? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Sam Sloan, Scottish Captain, to learn more about the game and the offer of some free taster days. The first sessions will be on Friday 30th July in Coatbridge and Monday 2nd Augu...
6m Jul 22, 2021
6m
S1 Ep848: Challenge to raise funds for RNIB and Save The Children
Gavin Towers may be partially sighted but he's decided to take on a record breaking challenge and raise funds for RNIB and Save The Children. He's going to cycle around the UK and attempt to break the decades old record at the same time as raising money. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Gavin to learn more about the challenge and why he's chosen these charities. Keep up to date on...
7m Jul 20, 2021
7m
S1 Ep803: Goalball UK's Rising Star
Megan Smithson-Booth is 19 years old and a student at the Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford. For the past 2 years, alongside her studies, she's become a rising star in Goalball, representing GB in tournaments around the UK and as far flung as Australia. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Megan to learn more about her love of the game, her hopes for the future and why i...
5m Jun 30, 2021
5m
S1 Ep847: See Sport Differently
RNIB has received £1m in funding from Sport England to be used over three years to get more blind and partially sighted people involved in sport.   The charity is partnering up with British Blind Sport to deliver the new initiative called See Sport Differently.   Steven Scott has been speaking to one of the people who developed the campaign, RNIB’s Steve Packer.  Image shows RNIB logo. RNI...
8m Jun 30, 2021
8m
S1 Ep802: Let's Chat Coastal Fishing!
We've been talking a little bit about fishing lately on RNIB Connect Radio and with the weather improving we thought it could be great to bring in some experts and learn their secrets to getting that best catch.   Wayne Vowden from the Blind Angler channel and Joe from Essex Foraging an Fishing Channel spoke with our Paulina Kuchorew about coastal fishing and an upcoming live-stream event tha...
9m Jun 29, 2021
9m
S1 Ep652: Come Along To The Blind Angler Q & A Event
Are you interested in fishing, or would like to find out a little bit more about it from a fellow blind angler? On Sunday 7th of March at 8PM, The Blind Angler channel will hold a live Q & A event to help answer all of your burning questions, offer some advice, and chat all-things-fishing! Wayne Vowden, the Blind Angler himself spoke with RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew about the free e...
8m Mar 02, 2021
8m
S1 Ep627: Can beatboxing & breakdancing aid accessibility?
Can beatboxing and breakdancing aid accessibility?  Rationale Arts are a charity formed in 2019 after identifying a need for art to be made equally accessible to both disabled and non-disabled members of the community.    The group offers a variety of classes and workshops, from accessible dance lessons for the visually impaired, which utilise beatbox-inspired audio description, to community...
9m Dec 18, 2020
9m
Would You Give Goalball A Go?
Measures such as social distancing have turned the world upside down for people with sight loss affecting many areas of life including sport and activity.   But as things eventually adapt to the new normal, Birmingham Goalball Club hopes to encourage people living with a disability to keep active and give goalball a go through their Fitness for Life initiative.  Chair of the club, Mohammed Ah...
8m Oct 19, 2020
8m
How Accessible is Sport Nunchaku?
Have you ever heard of sport nunchaku? We found out that one of RNIB Connect – South West members, Mark Perry has recently given this unique sport a go and we caught up with him to hear more.  Mark spoke with RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew about the experience and how he manages to continue his lessons in lockdown.  For more information about Sport Nunchaku visit: www.snuk.org.uk (h...
7m Jul 15, 2020
7m
Libby Clegg Sees Sport Differently
(Part one of this discussion is available here https://audioboom.com/posts/7496669-libby-clegg-talks-dancing-on-ice) Are you a sporting fan? Do you love catching up with Dancing on Ice every Sunday? RNIB Connect Radio's Sophie Ewing caught up with sportswoman, Libby Clegg as she competes in this year competition.   In the second part of their conversation Libby discusses motherhood, turning thi...
10m Feb 05, 2020
10m
Libby Clegg Talks Dancing On Ice
Are you a sporting fan? Do you love catching up with Dancing on Ice every Sunday? Perhaps you are a someone living with sight loss who has no skating experience, but would like to try something new. RNIB Connect Radio's Sophie Ewing caught up with sportswoman, Libby Clegg as she competes in this year competition.   Libby talks all things Dancing on Ice, taking on this challenge whilst having St...
6m Feb 05, 2020
6m
Tandem Cycling For The VI Community
Cam Sight provides tandem cycling for people with low vision and blindness in Cambridge and March areas.   We spoke with Sam Wool from the charity to find out more about the scheme.   Sam spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.    For more information go to:   https://www.camsight.org.uk/sports-and-leisure 
8m Sep 10, 2019
8m
Opening up a world of opportunities with blind golf
After going blind at the age of 39 and spiralling into depression, a Ballymena man thought his life was over... until he found blind golf. Earlier this year, Drew Cochrane released his autobiography detailing his diagnosis, the subsequent depression, and most importantly, how his sight loss opened up a world new adventures. To read more of Drew's life and golfing success, be sure to get a hold ...
6m Aug 30, 2019
6m
S1 Ep36: Watching Football From a VI Perspective
The British Premier League started again recently so RNIB Connect Radio’s Basil Oxtoby spoke to two of the RNIB’s directors who are both avid football fans for a special in depth look at how they watch football from a blind and partially sighted perspective.
33m Aug 13, 2019
33m
Sundip Tailor - running the London Marathon
The London Marathon, one of the most iconic events on the British sporting calendar, is taking place this weekend with an estimated 40,000 runners taking part. Andy Winn recently spoke to Sundip Tailor, who will be in Sunday's race, and is raising money for the RNIB. If you'd like to sponsor Sundip, you can do at this link: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sundip-tailor All of the runne...
18m Apr 24, 2019
18m
S1 Ep35: VI Tennis with Metro Blind Sport
"We've had people come for the first time, they've not really seen or heard of VI tennis before - they try it, you see them succeed, and they become regular customers - it's quite exciting." This morning on The Daily Connect we caught up with Metro Blind Sport, and heard from players, coaches and volunteers at a recent VI tennis tournament in London. Join the conversation with your thoughts o...
11m Feb 27, 2019
11m
S1 Ep34: Breaking down barriers with Metro Blind Sport
Recent statistics from the RNIB have shown that 64% of visually impaired people would like to be more physically active, but 57% felt that their sight loss was a barrier to being physically active. On today's Daily Connect, we chat to Martin Symcox from London-based charity Metro Blind Sport, about trying new sports if you are blind or partially sighted, and overcoming the barriers that come w...
14m Dec 12, 2018
14m
S1 Ep33: Visually Impaired Young People Can Develop Everyday Skills Through Sport.
See My Voice is a project run by British Blind Sport, to help young blind and partially sighted people develop skills that can help their social, educational and vocational development. Although BBS is a sporting charity, you don't have to participate in sporting activities to get involved, there are complimentary avenues to develop skills that don't need running shoes! RNIB Connect Radio's All...
6m Oct 10, 2018
6m
S1 Ep32: Curling For Visually Impaired People.
The 2018 curling season has started and there’s now a club which offers disabled people the chance to get onto the ice. Scottish Disability Golf and Curling offers free training, regular matches, national and international competition opportunities to those who want to try the winter sport, while the golf clubs take a rest. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to charity Secretary Jim Gales...
8m Oct 08, 2018
8m
Cardiff Hosts Free Sports Tasters for Visually Impaired People
The charity British Blind Sport promotes inclusion and access to a whole host of sporting opportunities for blind and partially sighted people. Their highly successful Have A Go taster days give people the chance to try a wide range of sports and leisure activities that they may think are not accessible. Cardiff will host an event on Saturday 29th September 2018 and you can try sports like Jud...
5m Sep 28, 2018
5m
S1 Ep31: Blind Veteran Wins Silver In Taekwondo For Team GB
How do you put your life back in order, when sight loss hits you so suddenly and unexpectedly? Four years ago, Steven Birkin lost his sight and with it, he had to learn how to regain his independence. Now, Steve has turned his life around and earlier this year won his first silver medal for Team GB at the British Taekwondo International Poomsae Championships in London. Speaking with RNIB Con...
14m Sep 18, 2018
14m
Conquering The Great Pacific Race
RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell speaks to Steve Sparkes and Mick Dawson, the two-man crew of the Cockleshell Pacific Endeavor, who have just created their own unique piece of sporting history.
9m Sep 13, 2018
9m
S1 Ep30: Why Is Curling A Growing Sport For Disabled People?
Scottish Disability Golf and Curling provides opportunities for individuals, including blind and partially sighted people, to learn, practice and compete on the golf course and curling rink. The organisation can now provide free tuition for those who want to play for fun or compete on a local or global level. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jim Gales, Secretary, to learn more about ...
9m Sep 05, 2018
9m
S1 Ep29: World Sailing Championships Take To Scottish Waters.
The World Blind Match Racing Championships 2018, are being held in Scotland this year, with teams coming from across the globe to compete. The blind and partially sighted sailors will use audio technology to independently race for medals on the water, near Helensburgh. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to some of the organisers, hosts and sailors to learn more about the sport and just ho...
27m Sep 04, 2018
27m
S1 Ep27: Sight Loss Charity Is Improving Sporting Opportunities.
British Blind Sport encourages visually impaired people to get involved in a huge variety of sporting activities and with the help of other organisations, provides support to trainers, gyms and other sporting venues to improve accessibility and inclusion. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Logan Gray, from BBS, to learn more about a programme to help sporting professionals understand ...
10m Jul 31, 2018
10m
Dave Heeley - Colour Run Aftermath
Blind Dave reflects on his recent Colour Run, which saw hundreds of runners doused from head-to-toe in colour as they made their way around Sandwell Valley Country Park, The event, now in it's second year, is staged by the Albion Foundation to recognise the tremendous achievements of Blind Dave. RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley caught up with Dave to get a taste of the evnts exciting moments.
12m Jul 19, 2018
12m
Bill Foster
There are few activities that sighted and non sighted people can enjoy on equal footing. Bill Foster thinks that sailing is one of them. He’s just returned from a trip aboard the Lord Nelson with the Jubilee Sailing Trust and tells us why he loves it so much. http://jst.org.uk/
6m Jul 05, 2018
6m
S1 Ep25: Sir Steve Redgrave
One of Britain's all time greatest athletes Sir Steve Redgrave talks to RNIB Connect Radio about his new role as ambassador for the charity and Specsavers....
10m Jun 14, 2018
10m
S1 Ep26: Blind Archery –Why Not Give It A Shot?
Are you visually impaired and perhaps thought that some sports, like archery, would forever be unattainable for you? Well, you might want to think again. British Blind Archery Champion Stuart Rodgers and his mentor and Coach Rick Smith tell us more about the sport and why more people should give it a go. Stuart and Rick are chatting to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. For more information...
14m Jun 13, 2018
14m
S1 Ep24: British Blind Sport's Oxfordshire Taster Day.
The charity British Blind Sport work hard to make sporting opportunities accessible, and available, for blind and partially sighted people.  They also host "Have A Go Day" events to give people a taste of different activities.  RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Alex Pits, from BBS, to learn more about an event taking place in Oxfordshire on the 25th of June 2018.  #RNIBConnect
9m Jun 08, 2018
9m
S1 Ep23: Metro Blind Sports Event In London.
Metro Blind Sports helps to provide a wide range of sporting opportunities for visually impaired people in, and around, the London area.  They also team up with other sporting, national, bodies to promote accessible sport and exercise.  RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Roy Smith, from Metro Blind Sport, to learn more about the charity and a sporting event, open to all, coming up in...
7m May 23, 2018
7m
S1 Ep22: Sailing World Championships Heading For Scotland.
The 2018 World Blind Match Racing Championships will be held on Scotland's west coast, hosted by the Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club, at Helensburgh. Teams of visually impaired sailors from around the globe will battle it out on the water, going for Gold! RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to the organisers, the hosts and some of the sailors, aiming for glory… #RNIBConnect
15m May 16, 2018
15m
Visually Impaired People Wanted To Try Sailing.
The Visually Impaired Sailing Association GB (VISA GB) is dedicated to helping more blind and partially sighted people enjoy sailing, for fun and for competition. They run taster days and longer voyages, even linking up with other established sailing regattas, to help people get a taste for the popular pastime. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Colin Fowler, to learn more about the ...
9m May 15, 2018
9m
Sight Loss Reunited This Marathon Runner With Lost Family
Robert Stuzer never thought he would get to meet his birth family. In fact, having been raised by his adopted family, the man didn’t even entertain the idea of meeting his birth parents. At least not until a few years ago, that is… After being diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a rare genetic disorder that involves permanent changes to vision, Robert set out on a search for long lost family...
12m May 09, 2018
12m
S1 Ep20: Wanted, Future Paralympic Talent!
You might like sport, or may never tried it because you didn't think you would like it?  Well, the English Institute for Sport has launched it's Discover Your Gold programme, to find Paralympians of the future.  There's a whole host of help, training and developmental support on offer and it starts with a click on a website.  RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Henry Shiplee, from EI...
4m May 03, 2018
4m
VI Cricket in Surrey
Find out how blind and visually impaired people can take part in a special cricket event on Tuesday May 1st.
5m Apr 27, 2018
5m
S1 Ep19: Interview With Blind Swimming Tutor, Alan North.
Alan North has been visually impaired since childhood, but that didn’t stop him in excelling where others told him he would fail. A swimming coach for almost 30 years now, Alan manages his own swim school as well as provides training in First Aid and Lifesaving. Chatting to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley, Alan tells us exactly why it’s important not to give up when you lose your sight and ...
15m Apr 23, 2018
15m
S1 Ep18: Accessible Golf And Curling Combo.
Scottish Disability Golf and Curling encourages and supports people with a range of disabilities to take part in the sports.  They provide grants for professional tuition, club competitions and the chance to compete on the international stage, if you wish to grow your competitive side.  RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jim Gales, from SDGC, to learn more about the accessible sports...
9m Apr 23, 2018
9m
Cambridge Sports Taster Day For Visually Impaired People.
British Blind Sport promotes and encourages participation in a variety of sports to visually impaired people, of all ages and abilities.  They run different sports clubs and work with, both private and public, organisations to make their services and facilities inclusive and accessible. On April 29th, they will be holding a taster day, featuring a variety of sports, in Cambridge and everyone ...
7m Apr 18, 2018
7m
S1 Ep17: Visually Impaired Runners Use Website To Find A Guide.
A new website has been launched to help match up blind and partially sighted people with sighted guide runners by England Athletic and British Blind Sport.  At the moment the site only covers England but it will, in the future, roll out across the UK. www.findaguide.co.uk  Whether you want a run in the park or something more challenging, the site helps match visually impaired people with tra...
12m Apr 11, 2018
12m
The History of Audio Description in Sport
Blind and partially-sighted people have always loved their sport, whether it's football or rugby, tennis or golf. But is sport fully accessible to blind people? David Tanner who's reported on sport for both TV and radio for many years and provides audio described commentary, looks at how the service differs between sports, finds out how blind fans feel about the service they receive, and if t...
18m Apr 03, 2018
18m
Visually Impaired Rock Climber Targets Tokyo 2020
Ex-RAF veteran Garry Morrison was injured in a parachute accident and had to learn to walk again. Then, after contracting chicken pox, he went totally blind. Garry had not climbed in 12 years but as part a week’s stay at Blind Veteran's UK Llandudno centre he was encouraged to try climbing. He found it was something he could do, enjoyed doing, and actually was very good at. RNIB's Barry Snel...
13m Mar 29, 2018
13m
S1 Ep15: Running Club For Visually Impaired Runners In Bristol
If you're keen to up your level of fitness and you live in the Bristol area, you might be interested to know about a new club that has been launched recently. The Visually Impaired Running Group which aims to get you from the couch to running a 5k takes place every Wednesday. There is a team of UK Athletics trained running guides based in Bristol who are able to help and support you. RNIB's ...
8m Mar 29, 2018
8m
S1 Ep14: Winter Paralympics 2018
The 2018 Winter Paralympics closed with a spectacular ceremony in Pyeongchang. Skier Menna Fitzpatrick and her guide Jen Kehoe, who won Britain's only gold of the Games, led the team into the ceremony in South Korea. The pair were given the honour after they claimed victory earlier on Sunday in the visually-impaired slalom to become GB's most successful Winter Paralympians of all time, thanks...
5m Mar 29, 2018
5m
S1 Ep13: 'I Only Intended To Play For Leisure' Says Blind Tennis Player
Shaun Donovan lost his sight from an early age but has always been fascinated by tennis. He started out playing the sport as a leisure activity but is now playing at a competitive level and now encourages other blind and partially sighted people to come along and try out the game. Vision Tennis Sessions are held at Swansea Tennis Centre every Thursday throughout the year. RNIB's Lynne Morgan...
13m Mar 29, 2018
13m