Para Sport Nation

The 2025 Canadian National Blind Hockey Tournament took place from March 21st to 23rd with over 190 participants. Alex Smyth, Mike Ross, and Jeff Ryman recap this historic event from the Mattamy Athletic Centre in Toronto, Ontario. They share interviews with key organizers, athletes, and partners regarding the growth and skill of the game. Plus, they provide in-depth analysis of the Bronze and Gol...

On this episode, Alex and Nathan are joined by CBC Sports Reporter, Devin Heroux to talk more about the 2026 Paralympic Games, which are now less than a year away. They dive into where Devin’s love for sports began, his experience covering 4 consecutive Games, and why he feels so passionate about para sports. Devin also discusses his favourite food destination is while traveling, as well as where...

On this episode, we’re joined by Program Director Luca DeMontis to preview the 2025 Canadian National Blind Hockey Tournament, happening in Toronto from March 21st to 23rd. Luca shares what fans and players can expect from this record-breaking event, which promises to be the largest blind hockey tournament of all time. He also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming 2025 Canadian Nationa...

On this episode, Alex and Nathan chat with legendary wheelchair rugby player Mike Whitehead, who recently announced his retirement after nearly 25 years in the sport. Mike reflects on his incredible career, sharing the emotions and memories that have come flooding back as he steps away from the game. He opens up about the reasons behind his decision to retire and what lies ahead for him in the nex...

On this episode, we chat with Chrissy Molnar, a member of the Canadian Wheelchair Curling Team, who helped secure a bronze medal at the 2025 World Wheelchair Curling Championship. Chrissy shares her journey into wheelchair curling, the strong team chemistry within the national squad, and gives us an inside look at her training leading up to the 2026 Paralympic Games. Alex and Nathan also share som...

On this episode, Will Stephens of Trailer Park Sports Network (TPSN) joins the show to discuss his mission to shine a spotlight on some of the more under covered sports. How does he choose the sports he covers? Where did his desire to cover para sports come from? What type of feedback has he received with his fun and informative coverage? Will shares all this and more! Follow Para Sport Nation on...

On this episode, two-time Paralympic snowboarder Sandrine Hemel joins the show to share insights into the ongoing season. She also touches on the last major event of the year happening at Big White in B.C., the importance of competitions one year out from the 2026 Paralympic Games, and the comradery amongst the Canadian Para Snowboard team. Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a m...

On this episode, we dive into the first-ever College/University Sitting Volleyball Invitational, hosted by Durham College in Oshawa, Ontario. Scott Dennis, the Director of Athletics & Recreation, joins us to share the story behind this groundbreaking event. He discusses the inspiration for creating the tournament, the community's enthusiastic response, and Durham College’s commitment to expanding...

On this episode, Co-Founder Antyush Bollini and Program Manager Bree Fraser of OneCourt join the show to discuss their groundbreaking assistive technology that’s making live sports more accessible to fans who are Blind or Low Vision. Described as “braille for sports,” their device is revolutionizing the way Blind fans experience games. Antyush and Bree share insights into how the technology works,...

On this episode, Alex and Nathan recap the 2025 Invictus Games which took place in Vancouver. Nathan was on the ground covering the event and gathered a few interviews of athletes and organizers. Nathan also shares his own personal experiences of being at the games, including being at the Closing Ceremony. Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, infor...

Paralympian and sports nutritionist Keely Shaw joins the show to discuss her career in cycling, as well as her expertise in sports nutrition. More specifically, sports nutrition for para-athletes. What type of research has been done for para sport nutrition? How does nutrition differ for para-athletes? Keely shares her insights! Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company...

Danielle Ellis, a three-time Paralympian and captain of the Canadian Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team joins the show to discuss her recently announced retirement. They discuss how she got her start in sitting volleyball, the incredible accomplishments over her 12 year career, and what's next for her in life. Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, info...

In this episode of Para Sport Nation, hosts Alex and Nathan sit down with Para swimmer Shelby Newkirk from Saskatoon, recently named Saskatchewan’s Female Athlete of the Year for 2024.  Shelby reflects on her remarkable career year, including breaking a world record and earning a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics. She also shares her journey into swimming and the significance of joining a club...

On this episode of Para Sport Nation, eleven-time Paralympic medalist Mark Arendz joins Alex and Nathan to discuss his recent triumphs at the World Cup and World Championships. Mark shares his thoughts on the significance of competitions one year out from the 2026 Paralympic Games and reflects on his experience competing in Val di Fiemme, Italy, the 2026 Games venue for Para Biathlon. Follow Para...

In this episode, Alex and Nathan are joined by Paralympic kayaker turned alpine skier, Andrea Nelson. They dive into Andrea's recent success on the slopes, explore the challenges and rewards of being an elite two-sport athlete, and hear about her decision to retire from kayaking and transition into skiing. Andrea also shares her experience at the 2024 Paralympics, where she worked as a media membe...

In this episode, Karalyn Stott, Commissioner of the USA Wheelchair Football League, joins Alex and Nathan to explore the incredible rise of wheelchair football. They dive into the key factors driving its rapid growth, the crucial partnership and support from the NFL, and the upcoming Veteran Wheelchair Football All-Star Game. Plus, they discuss the powerful impact the sport is having on players an...

On this episode of Para Sport Nation, hosts Alex and Nathan are joined by Canadian Paraclimber Shamus Boulianne. Shamus opens up about his path into the sport, the thrill of paraclimbing becoming a Paralympic event, and the technical aspects of adaptive climbing. The conversation also explores the unique equipment used in competitions and the specific rules that athletes must follow. Plus, Shamus...

In this episode of PSN, Alex and Nathan sit down with Matt Morrow, Executive Director of Canadian Blind Hockey, to discuss exciting upcoming blind hockey events happening across the country. They explore grassroots programs, the rapid growth of the sport, and the inspiring partnerships that have helped shape its success. Matt also shares his insights on the future goals of Canadian Blind Hockey an...

On this episode of PSN, Alex and Nathan are joined by Kai Schrameyer, Tennis Canada’s National Coach of Wheelchair Tennis. They dive into the newly selected 2025 Canadian wheelchair tennis teams and the exciting competition schedule ahead. The conversation also covers the growth and challenges of the sport within Canada, as well as a look at which countries are excelling in wheelchair tennis. Kai...

On this episode of PSN, Alex and Nathan sit down with Brice Christianson, a professional sign language interpreter and the founder/CEO of PXP. In this candid conversation, Brice opens up about the critical role of ASL broadcasts, the challenges that come with providing access, and the feedback from the community. They also dive into what the future holds for ASL interpretation in sports broadcasts...

In this episode of Para Sport Nation, hosts Alex Smyth and Nathan Clement are joined by Dr. David Legg, former President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Professor of Sport Management and Adapted Physical Activity at Mount Royal University.  Together, they dive into the rich history of adaptive sports in Canada, exploring the origins of adapted physical activity dating back to 1918. They a...

On this episode of Para Sport Nation, hosts Alex Smyth and Nathan Clement are joined by former Paralympian and Co-Chef De Mission, Karolina Wisniewska, to dive into the intense journey of a para athlete one year out from the Paralympics.  Karolina gives a behind-the-scenes look at the grind of training, breaking down what a typical training schedule looks like, the importance of each event, and wh...

On this episode of Para Sport Nation, Alex Smyth and Nathan Clement are joined by Jennie Bovard to preview a few events that have caught their attention as the calendar flips to 2025.  They discuss everything from the Invictus Games, to the 2025 Canada Summer Games, and everything in between.  Plus, Nathan breaks down what it's like as a high performance athlete heading into competition season. He...

In this episode of Para Sport Nation, Alex and Nathan speak with Victor Nelson of the World WCMX Federation about the thrilling world of Wheelchair Motocross, an adaptive sport where athletes perform tricks on wheelchairs in skate parks.  Victor shares insights into the sport's origins, key athletes, and how WCMX is evolving internationally. The conversation also touches on the importance of acces...

On this episode, PSN surveyed people in the community to vote on the top Para Sport performers from 2024. Host's Alex Smyth and Nathan Clement chat with and reveal all the winners right here on the show! The categories include: Top Moment Top Team Top Debut Top Female Athlete Top Male Athlete Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empower...