S1 Ep1281: How Accessible Will The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Be
The Commonwealth Games launch in Birmingham on July 28th 2022, with the sporting spectacular showing off it's inclusive credentials. Over the games RNIB Connect Radio's presenters will be in the sporting venues, following the action and bringing you the latest on our blind and partially sighted sporting greats. Today we're joined by Emma Ord, from Birmingham 2022, to look at how accessible th...
7m Jul 25, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1281: UK Sight Loss Charities Spotlight On Commonwealth Games 2022
The Commonwealth Games launch in Birmingham on July 28th 2022, with the sporting spectacular showing off it's inclusive credentials. Over the games RNIB Connect Radio's presenters will be in the sporting venues, following the action and bringing you the latest on our blind and partially sighted sporting greats. Today, Alaina MacGregor, CEO of British Blind Sport, and David Clarke, Chief Opera...
10m Jul 25, 2022
10m
S1 Ep1282: Keep Fit Classes
Are you on the look-out for a great way to get fit?   Well, there are some free taster sessions coming up in Bristol and joining our Paulina Kuchorew to tell us all about them are fitness instructors Hayley Rose and Marcella Manzilli.  Taster Days for Keep Fit Classes will take place at 2 PM on Monday 19th of September and 26th of September. Classes will continue after that every Monday at 2...
7m Jul 20, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1280: Have A Go Day Swansea - British Blind Sport
If you're looking for more ways to keep active, then visiting a 'Have a Go Day' run by British Blind Sport is a great way to get started. The next event will be held in south Wales on Saturday August 27th. If you'd like more information on how you can take part, call 01926 424247, or visit the website www.britishblindsport.org.uk/bbs-a-have-a-go-day-in-swansea/ 
4m Jul 12, 2022
4m
S1 Ep1279: Visually Impaired Sailor Emily Wright Completes Her First Round The Island Yacht Race with The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust on Solent Hero with Ellen on Board Too!
Time to take to the high seas again as we catch up with visually impaired sailor Emily Wright who took part in her first ever yacht race with the Round the Island Race on Saturday 25 June 2022 with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust on the Trust’s yacht Solent Hero with Ellen MacArthur joining the crew for the race too.  RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey began by asking Emily what the build up was...
7m Jul 05, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1278: Accessible Sports Coverage - Action Audio Tennis and See Sport Differently
For the first time the Cinch Tennis Championships at Queens will have the unique 'Action Audio' available for visually impaired viewers. Hywel Davies has been finding out why it's such an important milestone for fans in the UK.   If you want to experience the 'Action Audio' coverage of the semi-finals and finals of the Cinch Tennis Championships, you can do so via the LTA's website www.lta.or...
9m Jun 17, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1277: Visually Impaired Sailor Emily Wright Taking Part in the Annual Round The Island Yacht Race 2022
Now time to take to the waters to hear all about how visually impaired sailor Emily Wright first took up the sport of sailing as one of the activities on offer from the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. Emily has not only completed her RYA Day Skipper certificate, notching up many nautical  miles with the trust but Emily will be racing round the Isle of Wight on Saturday 25 June with the Trust for ...
12m Jun 16, 2022
12m
S1 Ep1276: The Tandem Twins!
You've heard of the Brownly brothers, but have you heard of the Tandem Twins? Chloe and Judith MacCombe, twins and Para-Triathletes will be heading to Birmingham in the summer to compete in the Commonwealth Games. Ellie caught up with them to find out what it means to them, and to find out about just home much training is involved.  You can follow Chloe and Judith's progress by following them ...
6m Jun 16, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1277: 'Action Audio' Makes Tennis Accessible At The Queens Club Championship
The Queens Club Championships is one of the highlights of the British Tennis season. Hywel Davies has been finding out how new technology has made this year's finals more accessible than ever. Action Audio is available for the semi-finals and Final of the Cinch Championships on Saturday June 18th and Sunday June 19th, you'll find all the details on the LTA website - www.lta.org.uk/fan-zone/int...
8m Jun 15, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1244: Brighton Football Team Get Ready For FA Disability Cup Tournament
Blind players from Brighton and Hove Albion FC are getting ready to take part in this year's FA Disability Cup Tournament. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Charlotte Lloyd, from British Blind Sport, and Paul Brackley, from Brighton FC, to learn more about the tournament and the team. #RNIBConnect Image shows: Logo for Brighton And Hove Albion FC
7m Jun 06, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1243: James Chilvers - Blind Pro Wrestler
Time now to talk sports, in particular wrestling, David Hogg has been speaking to blind pro wrestler James Chilvers about his sight loss, his wrestling career and how it felt to have a character in the movie Fighting With My Family based on his story.
7m Jun 01, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1242: Should I Give Goalball A Try?
The sport of Goalball has been growing in popularity but how easy is it to play and can anyone give it a go? Our Paulina Kuchorew spoke with a newbie to the sport, Jay Johnson, about his recent decision to join the Glasgow Goalball Club. Give Glasgow Goalball Club a follow here: Glasgow Goalball | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/GlasgowGoalball) Fore more information on Goalball in your l...
8m May 31, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1242: Meet The Glasgow Goalball Club
Let's learn a little bit about goalball today! Our Paulina Kuchorew headed over to a local goalball session to meet with Alan Lewis from the Glasgow Goalball Club. Give Glasgow Goalball Club a follow here: Glasgow Goalball | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/GlasgowGoalball)   Fore more information on Goalball in your local area visit: Goalball UK – Transforming people's lives (https://goa...
7m May 27, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1241: England Women's Blind Football Team Hold First Training Camp
This June sees the first ever Women's Blind Football 'European Championships' in Italy. Hywel Davies spoke to the newly formed England Women's side ahead of the competition. For more information on how to watch the Women's Team in action when they take on Germany, visit www.ibsasport.org To find out how you can get involved in blind football, visit Blind Football - Football Your Way - Disabil...
10m May 26, 2022
10m
S1 Ep1163: London Canoeing Club Encouraging Blind And Partially Sighted People To Get On The Water
The Tower Hamlet's Canoeing Club is encouraging more people with sight loss to take up canoeing. They have dedicated training courses and are also training volunteer guides to open up the leisure activity to more people. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Alex Smith, from the club, and blind canoeist Richard Simpson to learn more about the sport and how they hope other clubs will fol...
7m May 25, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1241: Melanie Barrat set to be the first blind woman to swim the channel!
Paralympic champion Melanie Barratt is hoping to become the first blind woman to cross the English Channel solo. She won't be taking to the high seas until 2024 but there is  a lot of training, and a few lakes and locks to conquer along the way. Ellie caught up with Melanie to find out about the training, the inspiration and her new initiative which could help you get into cold water swimming. ...
13m May 25, 2022
13m
S1 Ep1162: English Football Association Creating More Inclusive Opportunities
June 2022 will see BT Sport broadcast the finals of the FA Disability Cup, which will feature some of the best blind and partially sighted football teams. The FA is also in the midst of a huge internal and external project to improve access to the game, to voluntary and employment opportunities and to grow more grass roots teams which will showcase the best players with a range of disabilities...
7m May 24, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1161: Scots Blind Golfer Looks Forward To British Open
Barry Snell chats with Barry McCluskey ahead of this years British Open blind golf championship, which gets underway during the first week of July. One of many upcoming tournaments, Barry's keen to get back out playing regularly after the past few years of lockdown restrictions. Barry also mentions how he has recently become involved in politics. if you would like to find out more informatio...
7m May 17, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1160: UK National Blind Football League Looking To Expand
If you're blind and interested in playing football for fun or to reach the heights of playing for your country, the National Blind League wants to hear from you. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Robin Williams to learn more about the set up, it's goals for the future and how you can get involved in your local area. If you'd like more information about NBL, email Robin@robinwilliams...
6m May 11, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1159: Dave Heeley Completes 'Escape from Colditz' Challenge
Dave Heeley OBE, known to many as blind Dave, has raised thousands of pounds for charity fundraising around the World. In his latest challenge Dave and his team cycled 800 miles from Colditz Castle in Germany to West Bromwich Albion's Hawthorns stadium, in the West Midlands. Barry Snell caught up with Dave to find out how this challenge felt after the last few years of Covid restrictions. If...
7m May 05, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1158: Wing Chun Kung Fu Ideal For Visually Impaired People.
Wing Chun Kung Fu is a well established martial art which can be used for self defence, general fitness and can even be used like Tai Chi, to promote balance and inner strength. The style is also well suited for being taught to blind and partially sighted people, due to it's close proximity stances and reliance on touch sensitivity rather than sight. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke t...
9m Apr 29, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1156: 2023 IBSA World Games coming to Birmingham
A major global sporting event will be coming to Birmingham in 2023. The International Blind Sports Association, IBSA, will host their World Games, which will be attended by 70 countries. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to SANDRO DI Girolamo, President of IBSA. #RNIBConnect Image: IBSA (International Blind Sports Federation) logo
4m Apr 28, 2022
4m
S1 Ep1156: 2023 IBSA World Games coming to Birmingham
A major global sporting event will be coming to Birmingham in 2023. The International Blind Sports Association, IBSA, will host their World Games, which will be attended by 70 countries. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to former Paralympian and former Chief Exec of the British Paralympic Association, Tim Reddish. #RNIBConnect Image: IBSA (International Blind Sports Federation) logo
4m Apr 28, 2022
4m
S1 Ep1156: 2023 IBSA World Games coming to Birmingham
A major global sporting event will be coming to Birmingham in 2023. The International Blind Sports Association, IBSA, will host their World Games, which will be attended by 70 countries. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Sally Barker, Chair of British Blind Sport. #RNIBConnect Image: IBSA (International Blind Sports Federation) logo
3m Apr 28, 2022
3m
S1 Ep1156: 2023 IBSA World Games coming to Birmingham
A major global sporting event will be coming to Birmingham in 2023. The International Blind Sports Association, IBSA, will host their World Games, which will be attended by 70 countries. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Paralympic cyclists, Neil and Lora Fachie. #RNIBConnect Image: IBSA (International Blind Sports Federation) logo
4m Apr 28, 2022
4m
S1 Ep1156: 2023 IBSA World Games coming to Birmingham
A major global sporting event will be coming to Birmingham in 2023. The International Blind Sports Association, IBSA, will host their World Games, which will be attended by 70 countries. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Evan Molloy, a medal winning visually impaired Judo athlete. #RNIBConnect Image: IBSA (International Blind Sports Federation) logo
5m Apr 28, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1156: 2023 IBSA World Games coming to Birmingham
A major global sporting event will be coming to Birmingham in 2023. The International Blind Sports Association, IBSA, will host their World Games, which will be attended by 70 countries. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to former Paralympian and Chief Operations Officer for RNIB, David Clarke. #RNIBConnect Image: IBSA (International Blind Sports Federation) logo
3m Apr 28, 2022
3m
S1 Ep1156: 2023 IBSA World Games coming to Birmingham
A major global sporting event will be coming to Birmingham in 2023. The International Blind Sports Association, IBSA, will host their World Games, which will be attended by 70 countries. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Alaina MacGregor, chief exec of British Blind Sport. #RNIBConnect Image: IBSA (International Blind Sports Federation) logo
5m Apr 28, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1157: Fancy Jumping On A Tandem Bike This Spring?
With days getting longer and warmer, many of us are looking for different ways to boost our mood. Now, one great way of doing that is by getting out and enjoying the fresh air. And what better way to do that than with a little bit of cycling?    Well, if you are visually impaired and live in Scotland, you could try out tandem cycling thanks to the fantastic In Tandem project.   To find out ...
9m Apr 28, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1155: Looking Ahead To The Launch Of The IBSA World Games In Birmingham
IBSA is the International Blind Sports Federation and their World Games will take place in Birmingham in 2023. Visually impaired athletes from 70 countries will compete for medals and places in the Paralympics, in sports like Football, Goalball and Judo. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Alaina MacGregor, from British Blind Sport, to learn more about the games and the launch which t...
5m Apr 25, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1154: Major Athletics Event For Blind And Partially Sighted People Of All Fitness Levels
Metro Blind Sport, based in London, is a charity which aims to get more blind and partially sighted people actively enjoying a wide range of sports and leisure activities. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Martin Symcox to learn more about their athletics event, taking place in London on June 11th, which will have sports for people of all fitness levels. If you'd like more info on t...
4m Apr 21, 2022
4m
S1 Ep1153: Anthony Ogogo Interview
RNIB Connect Radio's David Hogg chats to Olympic medal winning boxer and current AEW wrestler Anthony Ogogo about sight loss, how he picked himself up following his retirement from boxing and his time in All Elite Wrestling. Photo is of Anthony Ogogo smiling as he walks to the ring at AEW's 2021 Double Or Nothing event.
9m Apr 20, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1152: Barry Town United Pan Disability Football - Coach Chloe McBratney Meets Karen Carney
Since the pandemic began the National Lottery has given millions of pounds to community football sides across the country. The Barry Town United Pan Disability side is one team who've benefited from this support. Hywel went to meet the side's visually impaired coach Chloe Mc Bratney and former England captain Karen Carney. Image shows former England Captain Karen Carney watching as coach Chloe...
6m Mar 17, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1037: The Perfect Time To Try Blind Golf
Barry Snell chats to Roger Cole ahead of the blind golf season, which gets underway on the 9th April with the Primary Club Match Play. Roger, who will be competing in the tournament, is looking for more blind and partially sighted people to give it a go & he discusses the many benefits of being involved in blind golf. If you would like to find out more about the game of blind golf, click belo...
5m Mar 09, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1151: Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympic Games: Bronze and Gold Medals for Winter Paralympics GB Visually Impaired Skier Neil Simpson and His Brother and Guide Skier Andrew
Winter Paralympics GB youngest athlete, 19 year-old visually impaired skier Neil Simpson along with his 21 year-old Brother Andrew not only won the first Paralympics GB Gold of the Beijing games in the Super G but they have just won a Bronze in the Super Combined. Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with the Banchory boys, Neil and Andrew Simpson to find out what winning a Bronze and Gold med...
5m Mar 07, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1150: Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympic Games: Silver Medal in the Super G for Winter Paralympics GB Visually Impaired Skier Menna Fitzpatrick and Her Guide Skier Gary Smith
A silver medal in the Super G at the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympic Games for Paralympics GB visually impaired Skier Menna Fitzpatrick and her Guide Skier Gary Smith not only takes Menna’s Winter Paralympic Games medal tally to 5 but also crowns Menna as the most decorated Winter Paralympics GB Athlete in history so far! Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Menna and Gary from Beijing to ...
5m Mar 07, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1036: Scottish Charity Brings Curling To Everyone
Scottish Disability Golf and Curling is dedicated to bringing 2 great sports to everyone, no matter what their disability. There's opportunities for experienced players and complete novices to get involved with free professional training, leagues, competitions and a great opportunity to make new friends. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jim Gales, from SDGC, to learn more about the...
6m Mar 04, 2022
6m
S1 Ep1035: VI Rugby Launches In Scotland!
Let's chat sport.   Staying active can be a great way to not only look after our health and wellbeing but also to socialise and meet new people.   So today, we're hearing all about a new project that is inviting visually impaired people to give Rugby a go in Scotland!   Maggie Lawrie from Strathmore Community Rugby Trust spoke with RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew about the sessions ...
8m Feb 28, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1133: Millie Knight Visually Impaired Alpine Skier Has Been Selected to Compete at the 2022 Winter Paralympic Games
Today (Tuesday 22 February 2022) Paralympics GB have announced the selected athletes who will be representing Great Britain in Beijing at the 2022 Winter Paralympic Games (4 - 13 March 2022). RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with visually impaired alpine skier Millie Knight who along with her Guide Skier, Bret Wild, have been selected to compete at the 2022 Winter Paralympic Games. M...
5m Feb 22, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1034: Let's Get Active Day 2022
An upcoming event in Liverpool is hoping to give blind and partially sighted people of all ages the chance to try new sports. Hywel Davies has been finding out more.   If you're in the Merseyside area and would like to give it a go, you can go along to the Greenbank Sports Academy on Sunday February 13th. Or sign up beforehand at www.sightlosscouncils.org.uk/events/lets-get-active-day-liverpo...
5m Feb 11, 2022
5m
S1 Ep1033: National Swimming Gala For Blind And Partially Sighted Kids
Each year, the charity British Blind Sport holds it's, free and popular, swimming gala for visually impaired children aged 3 to 17. There's fun for beginners and competitions for swimmers who like a challenge and everyone is welcome. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Philippa Bass, from BBS, to learn more about the event and how you can register to attend. If you'd like more info a...
4m Feb 11, 2022
4m
S1 Ep1032: Calling All Visually Impaired Footy Fans, Fancy A Game?
You may be surprised to learn that, as a country famous for it's love of football, Scotland doesn't have many options for blind or partially sighted people to take up the game. That might be about to change though with the help of RNIB Scotland, Bathgate CFC and partners like the Scottish Football Association. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke with Dan Meikle from RNIB Scotland to lear...
9m Jan 31, 2022
9m
S1 Ep1031: Wrekin Rowers Reflect After Epic Fundraising Challenge
Barry Snell catches up with Stuart Shepherd and Stuart Richards, 2 of the 'Wrekin Rowers' who have just completed the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, a 3000 mile row across the Atlantic Ocean. The four-man crew were fundraising for RNIB and the Severn Hospice and have so far managed to raise more than £106k. If you would like to find out more about the Wrekin Rowers please click on the li...
7m Jan 25, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1030: Blind Runner Goes From Couch to 5K to Boston Marathon
By his own admission, Dave Williams said he was the type of person who wouldn't run for a bus and getting fit wasn't his first priority. After being bitten by the tandem cycling bug, he moved onto running completely by accident. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Dave to find out how you can team up with a guide runner, how you start off your running journey and how you get to the ...
10m Jan 21, 2022
10m
S1 Ep1029: Helping More Blind And Partially Sighted People Into Sport And Leisure
British Blind Sport is a charity which is dedicated to making sport and leisure activities as accessible as possible for blind and partially sighted people of all ages. They also work with governing bodies, along with industry leaders and providers, to make venues and opportunities open and welcoming for people with sight loss. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Alex Pitts, from BBS,...
8m Jan 20, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1028: #TWAC 2021 - Wreckin Rowers Almost At Finish Line
Barry Snell chats to Stuart Shepherd from the Wreckin Rowers, as the and his crew members row frantically towards Antigua and the end of the #TWAC Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge 2021, a 3,000 mile row across the Atlantic Ocean to raise money for RNIB and the Severn Hospice. During a brief rest Stuart talks about some of the challenges they have faced, including having their boat damaged by...
8m Jan 19, 2022
8m
S1 Ep1027: York Leisure Centre Welcomes Customers With Visual Impairments
Energise Leisure Centre in York are just one of the organisations that have taken advantage of a free accessibility toolkit from the charity Thomas Pocklington Trust. The free toolkit provides training and support for leisure providers, and their staff, to create a welcoming and accessible environment for customers who are blind or partially sighted. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke t...
4m Jan 18, 2022
4m
S1 Ep1026: Free Leisure Sector Toolkit Can Improve Opportunities For Blind And Partially Sighted People
Many blind and partially sighted people miss out on going to places like the gym, leisure centre or other sporting clubs, simply because the venues don't know how to assist someone with a sight loss condition. Now, a new free toolkit from Pocklington Trust and UK Coaching can help service providers make their venues welcoming and confident places to go. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spok...
6m Jan 17, 2022
6m
S1 Ep959: Rollerblading With A Visual Impairment
Barry Snell chats to Matthew Allcock, who despite his visual impairment loves nothing better than a sporting challenge… the latest of which is Rollerblading. Matthew is keen for more people with sight loss to get involved and he certainly thinks its worth all the cuts and bruises. {Image: A close up of someone's legs, from the knee down. They are outside, in the sun and they are wearing shiny...
7m Jan 10, 2022
7m
S1 Ep1025: Scottish 10 Pin Bowling Club For Visually Impaired People
The Saltire Strikers are a 10 pin bowling club, based in Glasgow, for blind and partially sighted people of all ages. The club is looking for new members and volunteers to get involved in the game, for fun or for competitions. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Ian Stevenson, from Saltire Strikers, to learn more about the club. If you'd like more info, or would like to join as a pla...
4m Dec 07, 2021
4m