Game Changers

By: Aftersight
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  • Summary

  • Welcome to Game Changers, the podcast that dives into the inspiring world of blind athletes who are breaking barriers, redefining possibilities, and changing the game in sports. Each episode, we bring you powerful stories from the athletes themselves, their coaches, and the communities that support them. Join us as we explore the triumphs, challenges, and groundbreaking moments that define these extraordinary individuals. From the thrill of the Paralympics to grassroots initiatives making a difference, Game Changers celebrates the resilience, innovation, and indomitable spirit of those who refuse to let blindness hold them back. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, an advocate for disability rights, or someone looking for a dose of motivation, Game Changers offers a unique and compelling perspective on the power of sport to transform lives. Tune in and be inspired by the incredible athletes who are not just participating, but thriving and leading the way in their respective sports. Game Changers — It's time to change the game
    June 2024
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Hygiene & Healthy Living Sports & Outdoors
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Episodes
  • Craig DiMartino: Facing the Mountain

    Craig DiMartino: Facing the Mountain
    Sep 13 2024
    Welcome to game Changers! If you have any questions let us know by emailing us at feedback@aftersight.org or calling us at (720) 712-8856. IN this episode...
    Craig DiMartino shares his climbing journey and the challenges he faced after a traumatic accident. He discusses the emotional and physical toll of recovery and the process of getting back into climbing. He recounts his experience climbing El Capitan and the impact it had on him. He also talks about his involvement with Adaptive Adventures and the importance of inclusivity in outdoor activities. He shares his journey of becoming an adaptive climber and the founding of Adaptive Adventures. The organization offers free programs in eight different sports for individuals with physical disabilities and their caregivers. The goal is to make adaptive sports accessible to anyone and provide a sense of community and perspective. Craig emphasizes the importance of movement and finding your people to improve quality of life. He also discusses the innovations in adaptive climbing and the need for adaptability in the sport. Craig's book, 'After the Fall,' provides an honest account of his experiences.
    Takeaways
    Overcoming physical and emotional challenges is a long and ongoing process.
    Support from loved ones and mentors is crucial in the recovery journey.
    Climbing can be a powerful tool for personal growth and self-discovery.
    Inclusivity in outdoor activities is important for creating a welcoming and supportive community. Adaptive Adventures offers free programs in eight different sports for individuals with physical disabilities and their caregivers.
    Movement is important for improving quality of life and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle.
    Finding a community of like-minded individuals can provide support, perspective, and friendship.
    Adaptive climbing has seen innovations in technology and techniques to make it accessible for individuals with visual impairments.
    Craig DeMartino's book, 'After the Fall,' provides an honest account of his journey as an adaptive climber.
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Love for the Outdoors
    05:10 Craig's Climbing Journey Begins
    08:22 The Traumatic Accident and Road to Recovery
    11:23 Overcoming Mental and Emotional Challenges
    14:44 Becoming a Staple in the Climbing Community
    18:32 Adaptive Adventures and Inclusivity in Outdoor Activities
    18:42 Reluctantly Joining Adaptive Climbing
    22:12 The Mission of Adaptive Adventures
    26:11 Adaptive Climbing for the Visually Impaired
    30:06 The Importance of Movement and Community
    34:05 Changing the Game in Adaptive Sports
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    39 mins
  • Don Wardlow: From Banjos to Baseball

    Don Wardlow: From Banjos to Baseball
    Sep 6 2024
    Thank you for checking out this episode of Game Changers. If you have a story about sports, we would love to hear it. Email us at feedback@aftersight.org, or give us a call on our voice mail line at (720) 712-8856. In this conversation...
    ...Jonathan interviews Don Wardlow, the first blind color commentator in professional baseball. Don shares his journey with blindness and his passion for baseball. He discusses the challenges he faced in pursuing a career in sports broadcasting and his approach to calling games without sight. Don also highlights a memorable moment in his career. Don Wardlow shares his experiences as a blind sports broadcaster and the challenges he faced in the industry. He talks about a memorable baseball game he called and the importance of family support. Don also discusses his projects, including his blog 'Baseball as I See It' and his podcast 'The Baseball Lifer Podcast'. He offers advice to aspiring broadcasters to get an education, learn the craft, and take advantage of the opportunities provided by the internet.
    Takeaways
    Don Wardlow is the first blind color commentator in professional baseball.
    Listening to radio broadcasts of baseball games sparked Don's passion for the sport.
    Don faced challenges in pursuing a career in sports broadcasting, but with the help of his partner Jim, he developed a successful approach.
    Don's approach involved extensive preparation, including brailing notes and studying interviews and statistics.
    A memorable moment in Don's career was calling a game between St. Paul and the Thunder Bay Whiskey Jacks in the Northern League. Blind sports broadcaster Don Wardlow faced challenges in the industry but persevered with the support of his family.
    He called a memorable baseball game and cherishes the experience.
    Don started a blog called 'Baseball as I See It' and currently hosts 'The Baseball Lifer Podcast'.
    His advice to aspiring broadcasters is to get an education, learn the craft, and take advantage of the opportunities provided by the internet.
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Overview
    03:08 Don's Journey with Baseball and Blindness
    08:28 Challenges in Pursuing a Career in Sports Broadcasting
    17:14 Approach to Calling Games Without Sight
    21:00 Memorable Moment: St. Paul vs. Thunder Bay Whiskey Jacks
    21:28 Overcoming Challenges and Personal Sacrifices
    22:27 A Memorable Baseball Game
    24:11 Challenges Faced as a Blind Person
    27:09 Getting into Broadcasting and Meeting Jim Lucas
    29:32 Starting to Broadcast Games
    33:56 Projects: 'Baseball as I See It' and 'The Baseball Lifer Podcast'
    39:27 Advice for Aspiring Broadcasters
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    44 mins
  • Envision Blind Sports

    Envision Blind Sports
    Aug 30 2024
    Summary
    Wendy Fagan, the driving force behind Envision Blind Sports, shares her journey of empowering individuals with visual impairments through sports and recreation. She discusses the transformative power of sports and the joy it brings to athletes. Wendy emphasizes the importance of education and understanding in the blind sports community, encouraging people to challenge their fears and embrace inclusivity. Envision Blind Sports offers camps, clinics, outdoor recreation, and educational programs to promote disability sports and provide opportunities for blind individuals to participate in various sports. Wendy shares a heartwarming success story of a blind athlete skiing down a mountain independently, highlighting the freedom and empowerment that sports can bring.
    Takeaways
    Sports have a transformative power and can empower individuals with visual impairments.
    Education and understanding are crucial in the blind sports community to challenge misconceptions and promote inclusivity.
    Envision Blind Sports offers camps, clinics, outdoor recreation, and educational programs to provide opportunities for blind individuals to participate in various sports.
    A heartwarming success story of a blind athlete skiing down a mountain independently showcases the freedom and empowerment that sports can bring.
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Football Season
    02:57 Wendy's Love for Winter and Skiing
    07:15 Wendy's Journey into Adaptive Sports and Envision Blind Sports
    09:53 Genesis Event and Unique Beginning of Envision Blind Sports
    14:15 Creating Envision Blind Sports as a Nonprofit
    18:17 Envision Blind Sports Offerings: Camps, Clinics, Outdoor Recreation, and Education
    21:26 Success Stories and the Freedom of Blind Sports
    27:22 Charge to the Community: Get Educated and Embrace Inclusivity
    30:10 How to Connect with Envision Blind Sports
    31:24 Closing Remarks and Congratulations to Paralympic Athletes
    Thanks for checking out Game Changers. If you have any questions, you know what to do.
    Email: Feedback@aftersight.org
    Phone: (720) 712-8856
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    32 mins

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