Para Sport Nation

Alex Hayward shares his journey leading up to his first World Championship title. After choosing to train from home in New Brunswick, Alex balanced work, life, and rigorous cycling training—completing every planned workout in the eight months leading up to the competition. Despite a back injury and equipment challenges on race day, his discipline and mental resilience carried him through, culminating in an unforgettable victory.

Alex also highlights the bronze medal he earned in the European road race, the increasing calibre of para-cycling competition, and the growing media coverage elevating the sport. Beyond cycling, he discusses ho...

On this episode, Rob Shaw breaks down his latest US Open experience—from a dramatic three-set first-round win to a tough singles loss and the demands of doubles play with longtime partner Heath Davidson. He discusses the physical toll of a near year-round international schedule, the importance of mental resilience, and how pursuing a PhD helped him stay grounded as a full-time athlete. Rob also offers an inside look at the growing movement to integrate wheelchair tennis with ATP and WTA events, the need for equal access across divisions, and his hopes for the future of the sport. Along th...

Para archery is a sport of precision, strategy, and resilience. In this in-depth conversation, Team Canada’s Kyle Tremblay explains the structure of para archery competitions, from qualification rounds and elimination matches to the intense pressure of single-arrow shoot-offs.

Kyle opens up about his journey into para archery after an accident, the challenges of competing in a sport where focus and consistency are everything, and how he rebuilt his confidence after returning from injury. He reflects on highlights like winning a Parapan Am bronze in a dramatic shoot-off and setting a personal best at the Paris Paralympics.

The Mobility Cup is Canada’s premier adaptive sailing competition, bringing together athletes of all abilities to compete on equal terms. In this conversation, René Dallaire shares the history of the event, its roots in Vancouver in 1991, and its tradition of moving from city to city each year.

From the unique challenges and opportunities of hosting in Montreal, to the technology that makes sailing possible for athletes with varying disabilities, the episode highlights the power of sport, inclusion, and innovation. Dallaire also discusses standout performances, including winners Brian Pickover, Tracy “Unstoppable” Schmidt, and Andrew Davis, while reflecting on the...

In this episode of ParaSport Nation, Alex Smyth and guest co-host Kelly MacDonald dive into the latest in Canadian para sport. The show begins with big news from Canadian Blind Hockey, announcing three new programs across Victoria and Edmonton — a clear sign of the sport’s national growth.

Next, Paralympic sit skier Kurt Oatway joins the conversation to discuss his breakout 2024–25 season, the technical details behind his customized sit ski, and why he thrives in speed events like downhill and Super-G. Kurt opens up about the financial and logistical hurdles of off-season training, his love for hard, compac...

In this episode of Para Sport Nation, host Alex Smyth and guest co-host Kelly MacDonald speak with Cindy Burwell, Executive Director of the Ottawa 2026 Wheelchair Basketball World Championships. Cindy reveals what it takes to plan an international competition with over 300 athletes, from booking venues and transportation to ensuring every detail meets accessibility standards.

The conversation dives into how Ottawa is working with tourism, hospitality, and local businesses to create a welcoming environment for athletes and fans with disabilities. Cindy also highlights the legacy programs already in motion, including introducing wheelchair basketball in schools and creating permanent practice...

On this episode of Para Sport Nation, Alex shares interviews with Four para-athletes competing at the 2025 Summer Games.

The 2025 Canada Games are just about wrapped up, and CEO Karen Sherriffs reflects on what it takes to host the country’s biggest multi-sport event. From overcoming unexpected challenges—including nearby wildfires and an airline strike—to ensuring athletes can still compete at the highest level, the Games have been a story of resilience and teamwork.

Karen shares her personal journey with the Canada Games, beginning in 1999 and leading to her current role as CEO. She highlights the unique community footprint of St. John’s, the importance of newly built facilities like the Fortis Canada Games Complex, and the...

On this episode of Para Sport Nation, Christina Picton talks about the significance of competing at the first-ever Women’s Para Ice Hockey World Championships and what it means for her personally after joining the sport at just 11 years old. She highlights the team’s preparation — from rivalry series games against the USA to national training camps — and the shared focus and energy heading into competition.

Christina also discusses her transition into Nordic skiing, her 2022 Paralympic experience, and how cross-training has boosted her performance on the ice. She opens up about training with her fiancé and fellow Paralympi...

On this episode, Canadian men’s goalball captain, Peter Parsons takes us inside Canada’s fourth-place finish at the Pan American Championships, describing the emotional rollercoaster of defeating the USA, falling to Argentina in the semifinals, and coping with key injuries — including teammate Mason Smith’s broken foot and separated shoulder in the same play.

He shares personal connections with Nova Scotia players Harry Nickerson and Mason Smith, details the squad’s unique mix of youth and experience, and offers insights into building team chemistry during long tournaments.

Peter paints a vivid picture of the atmosphere...

On this episode of Parasport Nation, we sit down with Team Canada wheelchair rugby star Matt Debly to dive into his journey from wheelchair basketball at the 2015 Canada Games to scoring a last-second game-winner at the Americas Championship.

Matt shares the adrenaline-fueled story of how he was recruited into wheelchair rugby, his electrifying debut at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, and how Canada’s underdog mentality fuels their push towards LA 2028. He opens up about playing short-handed at the 2025 Americas Championship, securing a thrilling bronze medal with just eight players, and what that taught him about grit, heart, an...

On this episode of Para Sport Nation, Alex and Nathan are joined by Hillary Scanlon and Matt Greenwood of the Canadian Women’s Blind Soccer team. From grassroots efforts to competing on the world stage in India, they discuss the challenges of growing the sport, training remotely, and the game-changing support from Canada Soccer. Their dedication is helping pave the way for blind soccer to gain national recognition and funding.

They also dive into how the team is preparing for the World Championships, raising awareness, and breaking down financial barriers to ensure all players can compete. With ho...

In this episode of PSN, hosts Alex Smyth and Nathan Clement are joined by AMI's Kelly MacDonald, who shares his deep history with goalball and vision impairment (V.I.) sports. From childhood experiences at W. Ross Macdonald School to his thoughts on current media coverage of adaptive sports, Kelly dives into the impact of grassroots exposure and what para sport needs to grow. The episode also highlights Nathan’s exciting recap of Shim’s Ride, a unique paracycling time trial event in Vancouver. He outlines a bold vision to turn the city into a hub for para sport competition—with h...

Canadian Paralympian and World Champion Stefan Daniel joins PSN to share his journey through para-sport, his passion for triathlon, and how he’s navigating the challenges of elite competition post-Paris Paralympics. Alex and Nathan explore Stefan’s training strategies, mental toughness, and how simplifying life outside of sport is his secret to success. Stefan talks about dealing with the "post-Paralympic blues" and shares how shifting his focus to personal happiness has been key to his athletic recovery. He also reflects on his sibling rivalry with his brother Christian, his love for Japanese cuisine, and the most scenic places he’s race...

We’re back with more coverage from the 2026 Canadian Paralympic Media Summit! Canadian para ice hockey captain Tyler McGregor sits down with Alex to talk preparation, mindset, and the path to The 2026 Games in Milano Coritna. The newly unveiled 2026 Paralympic medal designs are making waves—are they striking gold or missing the mark? Nathan and Alex weigh in. Plus, it’s time for another round of blind power rankings! This time, Nathan challenges Alex to rank winter para sports!

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Wheelchair rugby star Zak Madell joins the show following his retirement from the national team after an incredible 13-year career. He looks back on his journey, shares highlights from his time on the court, and talks about what’s next in this new chapter of his life. Plus, in honour of Zak’s fashion trends over the years, Alex and Nathan discuss their favourite styles and superstitions leading into competitions.

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In this episode, we bring you more coverage from the 2026 Canadian Paralympic Media Summit! Alex sits down with Para Alpine athletes Mollie Jepsen, Kalle Erickson, and guide Sierra Smith to talk about their seasons so far and how they’re gearing up for Milano Cortina. Then, things take a fun turn as Alex challenges Nathan to blindly power rank five summer para sports!

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Swimming Canada’s new Associate Director of High Performance for the Paralympic Program, Jocelyn Jay, joins Alex and Nathan to chat about stepping into the role, her goals for the future of para swimming, and how her past experience with the National Team and at the 2019 Parapan Am Games has prepared her for this next chapter. Plus, the guys dive into a debate on Hall of Fames after BC Curling’s massive 77-member inaugural class is announced — featuring legends like Sonja Gaudet, Jim Armstrong, Ina Forrest, and Daryl Neighbour from Canada’s 2010 Paralympic gold-medal curling team.

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On this episode, we bring you two more conversations from the 2026 Canadian Paralympic Media Summit. We catch up with wheelchair curling stars Mark Ideson and Ina Forrest as they reflect on recent competitions, their Paralympic success, and how they’re preparing for Milano-Cortina. Plus, Alex and Nathan weigh in on the controversial disqualification of para-swimmer Arianna Hunsicker.

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On this episode of PSN, Paralympic champion wheelchair racer Austin Smeenk joins the show to reflect on his exciting season so far, including his latest competitions across Europe. Austin shares insights into the science behind his training and racing setup, revealing how he fine-tunes every detail to gain a competitive edge. And of course, it’s not all business — the conversation heats up as the crew talks BBQ and Austin’s passion for great food!

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On this episode of PSN, Alex and Nathan welcome back Will Stephens of Trailer Park Sports Network (TPSN). Will shares his recent experience covering Wheelchair Handball—explaining how the sport is played, how he discovered it, and what it was like connecting with Team USA. The conversation also touches on what's next for Will, including a look at some para sports and other lesser-known competitions that deserve more attention.

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On today’s episode, Alex and Nathan get into a debate about sports and classifications at the Paralympics. Why are some classifications left out of certain sports? What events or sports would they like to see added? Are there any sports that should be removed? The guys get into it all on this episode of PSN!

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On this episode, we share our first interview from the Canadian Paralympic Committee’s Milano Cortina 2026 Media Summit. Alex had the chance to sit down with Para Nordic Skier and Three-time Paralympian Brittany Hudak. They discuss everything from how she got into skiing to what the road to the 2026 Games looks like for her. Plus, Alex and Nathan share their own personal experiences with media summits leading up to Paralympic Games.

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In this episode of PSN, Alex and Nathan sit down with Geoff Harris—Athletics Canada’s Coach of the Year and recipient of the prestigious Dr. Doug Clement Award. A former Olympian himself, Geoff made headlines this past summer by coaching wheelchair racers Cody Fournie and Austin Smeenk to Paralympic gold. The trio dives into Geoff’s transition from elite athlete to respected coach, his dedication to para-sport, and the principles behind his coaching success.

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On this special Father’s Day episode of PSN, Alex and Nathan sit down with Nathan’s dad, Dave, for a heartfelt and entertaining conversation. Where did Nathan’s passion for sports come from? (Spoiler: it runs in the family.) What were the challenges of introducing a young Nathan to sports while navigating life with a disability? And—of course—what behind-the-scenes stories can Dave share that Nathan might not want you to hear? Join us for laughs, memories, and some fatherly wisdom on this can't-miss episode!

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On today’s episode, Alex and Nathan are joined by two-time Paralympic gold medalist Greg Stewart for an honest and powerful conversation in honor of Men’s Mental Health Month. They dive into why mental health matters, how to take care of it, and what it really means to prioritize your well-being. Plus, Greg talks about his recent competition in Paris and shares some highlights of the delicious food he enjoyed during his travels.

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On this episode, Alex and Nathan sit down with two-time Paralympian and Para Fencer Ryan Roussel. Ryan shares how he first got started in able-bodied fencing and what led him to transition into wheelchair fencing. He also opens up about his experiences at both the Tokyo and Paris Paralympic Games—and how unique each of them turned out to be.

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Two-time Paralympian Erica Scarff joins Alex and Nathan to chat about her journey in para canoe, including her recent 5th place finish at the 2025 World Cup. She opens up about how she got started in the sport, the role cross-training plays in her success, and what her preparation looks like as she sets her sights on the LA 2028 Games!

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On this episode, Producer Jeff Ryman drops in with some great interviews he recorded during National AccessAbility Week at the Whitby Abilities Centre. Jeff shares interviews with Abilities Centre President and CEO Michael Cvitkovic, Olympian Mariam Abdul-Rashid, and disability advocate—and Mrs. Personality Canada—Emilee Schevers. Alex and Nathan are along for the ride as we spotlight stories of inclusion, empowerment, and accessibility.

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In this episode, Alex and Nathan sit down with Ryan Straz to dive into ‘We Were Broncos’ — the powerful documentary series that gives a personal look into Ryan’s life and journey through para sports. They explore the behind-the-scenes of filming and reflect on what the experience has meant to him. Plus, PSN Producer Jeff Ryman joins the crew for a roundtable discussion covering all things para sports — from football to para ice hockey and everything in between.

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On this episode, Greg Westlake, Assistant Coach for the Canadian National Para Ice Hockey team joins Alex and Nathan to discuss the upcoming 2025 World Para Ice Hockey Championship. They discuss how the team prepped for this event, the importance of having a veteran squad, and the extra motivation of trying to repeat as champs. Greg also talks about his transition from being a player to being part of the coaching staff, and how he’s helping the team prep for this tournament and for the 2026 Paralympic Games.

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On this episode of PSN, Alex and Nathan welcome in AMI’s Ramya Amuthan. Ramya is an avid 5-a-side soccer player (also known as blind soccer) and member of the Canadian National Women’s team. She helps break down the sport, how it works, how it differs from traditional soccer, and how it will be showcased with 10 other sports at the Ontario Parasport Games later this month.

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The 2025 Senior Goalball National Championship went down last weekend in Saskatoon, and Alex and Nathan break it all down. In this episode, they dive into highlights from the tournament and bring you exclusive interviews with Peter Parsons of Team Nova Scotia, Paralympian Priscilla Gagné, and friend of the show Jennie Bovard. But it's not all goalball—stick around as the guys discuss their unexpected culinary discovery: Saskatchewan-style pizza, and how it stacks up against the rest.

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Join Alex Smyth for more interviews from Défi Sportif, Canada’s largest multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities. In this episode of Para Sport Nation, Alex sits down with 4-time Paralympian, and legendary wheelchair curler, Ina Forrest. They discuss her recent play at the Mixed Double, her involvement with Défi Sportif, and look ahead to the 2026 Paralympics. Alex also catches up with former Para Ice Hockey star turned wheelchair curler, Billy Bridges. They dive into his transition from the rink to the curling sheet, his passion for the sport, and his love for metal music.

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The countdown is on for the 2025 Senior Goalball National Championship, happening May 9–11 in Saskatoon! On this episode, Canadian Blind Sports President, and lead event organizer Launel Scott joins the show to preview the tournament. A former elite goalball referee, Launel also shares insights into the unique challenges and demands of officiating the sport. Plus, Alex and Nathan mark a major milestone—50 episodes of PSN—with some favorite memories and reflections!

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Join us on the ground in Montreal for exclusive coverage of Défi Sportif, Canada’s largest multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities. In this episode of Para Sport Nation, host Alex Smyth takes you inside the action—from elite competitions to first-time youth athletes experiencing the thrill of sport and inclusion. We sit down with Maxime Gagnon, President and CEO of Défi Sportif AlterGo, to talk about the event’s evolution, its grassroots to high-performance reach, and his personal journey leading the charge. Paralympian and event ambassador Jonathan Vermette shares his story of inspiration, competition, and why this eve...

The Paris Paralympics shattered every broadcast and digital engagement record. Alex and Nathan dive into the record-breaking global impact of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games — a historic moment not just for sport, but for global media. We explore how 225 Media Rights Holders brought the Games to all corners of the world, how all 22 Para sports received live coverage for the first time, and what these milestones mean for the future of inclusive sport and media accessibility.

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The classification process for para-athletes isn't just a formality—it's a physically and mentally demanding experience that can shape an athlete’s entire career. In this episode, Nathan gets real about the challenges of getting classified, sharing his personal journey through a system that’s often misunderstood. From the emotional toll to the physical demands, he breaks it all down. Plus, Nathan opens up about how he preps for competition, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how he rests, trains, and gears up.

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In this episode, Alex and Nathan sit down with Matt Fliss—Strength and Conditioning Coach at UBC, SnC specialist with Cycling Canada, and current PhD candidate. Matt, who also trains Nathan, shares his journey into the world of strength and conditioning, and how he found his path into para sport. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at the unique challenges, adaptations, and innovations involved in training para-athletes, giving us a deeper understanding of what it takes to support elite performance in adaptive sport.

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Dr. David Legg joins the show to discuss the history of sports being added and removed from the Paralympic Games. He explains the balance of ensuing the right level of competition and global representation as well as the impact on sports that are removed from Paralympic competition.

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AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establi...