Para Sport Nation

The 43rd edition of Défi Sportif is setting a new standard for para sport in Canada. Executive Director Maxime Gagnon shares what makes this year different, from an extended 11-day schedule to the introduction of the first-ever Canadian women’s wheelchair rugby national championship.

Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube!

About AMI

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 establish AMI as a leader in...

The inaugural Frontier Series in Ottawa brought together Canada and the United States for a high-level showcase of women’s para ice hockey. Christina Picton and Tara Chisholm reflect on the intensity of the competition, the growth of the Canadian program, and the impact of hosting the event alongside grassroots tournaments. The result was more than a series of close games. It became a powerful introduction to the sport for new fans and young athletes.

Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube!

About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and em...

Greg Westlake and Tyler McGregor share candid insights about the intensity of the tournament, from pre-camp training in Oakville and Verace to the excitement of competing in front of record-breaking crowds. They discuss the unique challenges of returning home post-Games, balancing family life, and the energy of young players joining the team. Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube! About AMI 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 establish AMI as a leader in the...

Jill Jaracz and Alison Brown share what it was like on the ground in Italy, highlighting the energy of live crowds, logistical challenges, and the contrast between the Milano Cortina Games and Beijing 2022. They discuss the thrill of witnessing historic moments, like Team USA sweeping hockey medals and remarkable performances in para ice hockey and curling. They also reflect on snow and course conditions, accessibility to athletes, and unforgettable athlete stories! Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube! About AMI AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in En...

From the evolution of Paralympic storytelling to the impact of having active athletes behind the mic, this conversation explores how coverage has changed and why it matters. Nathan shares what it felt like to transition from athlete to broadcaster, including the pressure of live television and the teamwork behind the scenes.

The episode also highlights standout Canadian performances, including dominant wheelchair curling, milestone medal moments, and rising stars who shaped the Games. Beyond results, the discussion tackles bigger issues like weather challenges, scheduling concerns, and what needs to change ahead of future Winter Paralympics.

...

Fresh off a gold medal performance, Mark Ideson shares what it felt like to compete at the Paralympic Games and execute under the highest pressure moments. From the chaos of the final shot to the team’s ability to stay composed, he offers a candid look at elite-level decision-making and trust.

The conversation explores Team Canada’s undefeated run, the physical and mental demands of a grueling tournament schedule, and how preparation, communication, and resilience shaped their success. Ideson also reflects on the electric atmosphere in Italy, from packed crowds to the unique athlete village experience.

Be...

The 2026 Paralympic Games in Milano Cortina are in full swing, and Alex brings you closer to the action with exclusive interviews from some of the biggest names in adaptive sports. From the slopes to the ice, he sits down with bronze medal-winning snowboarder Tyler Turner, multi-medalist visually impaired skier Kalle Eriksson and guide Sierra Smith, 14-time Paralympian Mark Arendz, and viral wheelchair curler Jon Thurston to hear their stories, insights, and unforgettable moments from the Games.

Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube!

About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs...

The Milano Cortina Paralympic Winter Games are about to begin, and PSN looks ahead at the storylines shaping Canada’s campaign. Alex and Nathan share their excitement as the Paralympics return, reflecting on the athletes, rivalries, and moments that could define the upcoming Games.

Nathan discusses the opportunity to bring Paralympic coverage to Canadians through CBC and the importance of sharing the journeys behind the athletes competing on the world stage. The conversation also dives into predictions for the Games, including a bold call for a dramatic Canada vs. United States overtime gold medal match in para ic...

Momentum is building for Team Canada as the Winter Paralympics approach, and this episode captures that energy from multiple angles. The conversation opens with the official announcement of Canada’s Para Alpine team, highlighting a resilient roster shaped by injury comebacks, Crystal Globe wins, and strong late-season World Cup performances. The discussion focuses on why this group is positioned for early success, especially in speed events like downhill.

The spotlight then turns to Brian McKeever, now head coach of Canada’s Para Nordic team. Drawing from decades of experience as both athlete and leader, McKeever explains how the...

The show opens with a conversation featuring Tyler Miller, a senior men’s national team member in wheelchair basketball. He shares insight into preparation, mindset, and how confidence built through consistent work can reduce competitive stress, particularly for younger athletes navigating high-performance environments.

The focus then shifts to blind ice hockey with Luca DeMontis from Canadian Blind Hockey. He breaks down preparations for the upcoming 2026 Canadian National Blind Hockey Tournament in Toronto, including the excitement around international participation and the continued growth of the sport.

Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube!

About AM...

Momentum is building as the countdown to the 2026 Paralympic Games continues. The conversation opens with a look at recent success across Para sport in Canada, including Crystal Globe achievements by Alexi Guimond and Molly Jepson, and what those performances signal heading into the next Games cycle.

Scott Sanderson, Executive Director of the Paralympic Foundation of Canada, joins the show to explain how athlete funding, donor engagement, and long-term development are shaping Canada’s Paralympic future. He shares insight into where the program is headed and why sustained support matters as expectations rise for Milano-Cortina.

The ep...

This episode centers on the latest Paralympic roster announcements for Team Canada, beginning with Para Snowboard. Veteran medal contenders and first-time Paralympians form a balanced lineup, with recent World Cup podiums and strong early-season results signaling confidence heading into competition. The discussion highlights how experience and emerging talent intersect as Canada prepares for high-expectation events like snowboard cross.

The conversation then dives deep into Para Nordic skiing, where one of Canada’s largest rosters in recent memory reflects both sustained excellence and long-term development. Proven medalists, multi-time world champions, and athletes entering their first Paralympic Games are ex...

Para swimmer Mary Jibb joins the show to reflect on her breakout performance at the World Para Swimming Championships, where she won gold, set records, and established herself as a rising star. She discusses her training, move across the country to train with her coach, and goals for the upcoming season.

The episode also features Brian McLean, Volunteer President of Achilles Canada, who previews the Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Run and explains how the long-running event promotes accessibility, inclusion, and community support for athletes with disabilities.

Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube!

...

Can a blind tech enthusiast survive DIY furniture builds and the Surface Laptop rollercoaster? Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into hilarious home mishaps, AI guide dog experiments, and the unpredictable world of ARM-based Windows laptops. Expect tech insights with plenty of laughs.

In this lively episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott recounts his adventures in DIY after taking on a flat-pack table and chairs armed with a new cordless screwdriver, leading to stripped screws and comedy chaos. The hosts then explore real-world experiences with AI apps for blind users, including the “AI guide dog...

Fresh off a career-defining season that included a third-place finish at the World Championships, Katie Pegg shares what made the moment feel different. She explains how calm replaced nerves, how preparation paid off, and how a personal best throw reshaped her expectations of herself on the world stage.

The conversation explores Katie’s upcoming move to Victoria, British Columbia, where she will continue training under coach Jody Langley following Langley’s new role with Athletics Canada. Katie speaks openly about the importance of trust, communication, and long-term athlete–coach relationships in high-performance sport.

Katie also breaks...

Jill Jaracz and Alison Brown reflect on how their podcast grew from casual Olympic conversations into a trusted, year-round space for Olympic and Paralympic sport. What began as a way to recreate “water-cooler” chats during the Games evolved into deeper storytelling driven by listener interest and athlete trust.

They discuss how listener feedback led them into Paralympic coverage, why treating Paralympians like any other elite athlete matters, and how sports-focused interviews help move media away from inspirational framing. The conversation highlights memorable moments from Beijing 2022 and Paris, including the atmosphere of blind football, goalball, wheelchair rugby, and Para...

The Montreal Open goalball tournament brings Canada’s top teams together each January, and this year’s event stands out with strong national talent, growing women’s participation, and key storylines for Nova Scotia and Team Canada heading into a busy season. Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube! About AMI 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 establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians wi...

Hosts Alex Smyth, Nathan Clement, and producer Jeff Ryman break down the most anticipated para sport storylines for 2026. They explore the Winter Paralympics in Milano Cortina, highlighting potential challenges in Paralympic Village accessibility, snow conditions, and venue readiness.

The team also discusses Canada’s para ice hockey roster aiming to dethrone the U.S., para alpine skiing medal contenders, and the underappreciated athletes poised to make podium finishes. Coverage extends to the 2026 World Championships in wheelchair basketball in Ottawa, showcasing accessible event planning, and the para sport integration at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Fo...

Para Sport Nation wraps up 2025 with a focused roundtable reflection on the stories that shaped the year in para sport. Alex Smyth, Nathan Clement, and Jeff Ryman highlight Canadian success across world championships, late-season momentum in para biathlon and Nordic skiing, and the growing depth of national programs.

The episode spotlights the inaugural Women’s Para Ice Hockey World Championship as a major step forward, alongside leadership and cultural changes within Canada’s men’s para ice hockey team. Additional discussion covers the return to form of Canada’s para alpine athletes, the mixed doubles wheelchair curling qualific...

In this episode, Alex and Nathan chat with Samuel Charron, captain of Canada’s 7-a-side soccer team. They learn about his journey in the sport, the landscape and evolution of 7-a-side or CP soccer in Canada. Samuel also discusses the importance of grassroots and growing the sport across the country. The guys also play a game of Brand Association, determining whether iconic Canadian brands would be a better sponsor for the Winter or Summer Paralympic Games.

Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube!

About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs an...

In this episode, Alex and Nathan chat with Boris Rybalka, the new head coach of Team Canada’s Para Ice Hockey team. He talks about taking over head coaching duties for the national program, his journey in hockey, both in junior and para, and how he sees gold in the team’s future. He also reflects on the team’s recent performance at the Para Ice Hockey Cup. They guys also discuss how thick the ice is for the para ice hockey team and para-Nordic team based on recent tournament results.

Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTub...

Join six-time Para Surfing World Champion Victoria Feige as she shares her journey from growing up in Vancouver to training on Oahu’s world-class waves. In this episode, Victoria breaks down the para surfing classification system, explains how competitions are scored, and reveals the intense training and cross-training routines that keep her at the top of her sport. She also discusses how her career as a physiotherapist informs her approach to performance, injury prevention, and mentoring the next generation of adaptive surfers. From the thrill of catching a perfect barrel to navigating the challenges of competing while sick, Victoria pr...

Para snowboard Next Gen athlete Chase Nicklin shares his rapid rise through the sport, what developing on Canada’s Next Gen program looks like, and how mindset, mentorship, and preparation shape a Paralympic pathway toward Milano Cortina 2026.

Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube!

About AMI

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 establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice...

Alex Smyth and Nathan Clement speak with Doug Hannam, Executive Director of Ontario Para Network, about the Ontario government’s sport hosting program. Doug explains how funding support has enabled ONPARA to host national and international events, including wheelchair basketball championships at Durham College and the upcoming World Championships in Ottawa.

Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube!

About AMI

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 es...

Alex Smyth and Nathan Clement discuss Team Canada’s wheelchair curling performance, share their “ice thickness” analysis of all Paralympic winter sport teams ahead of Milano Cortina 2026, and interview Mac Marcoux, former para alpine skier and newly named honorary captain of the Canadian Paralympic team, about his role, athlete engagement, and preparation for the Games.

Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube!

About AMI

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...

Erik Groves, PARAREACH Canadian Sport Institute Alberta, Red Deer Polytechnic, Canadian Paralympic Committee, research, accessibility, AMI, para sport, Lululemon, Milano Cortina Paralympic Games, Paralympics, Paralympic Gear, Vancouver 2010, 2015 Parapan Am Games, adaptive sports, sports training, winter sports, winter gear, sports media, upcoming Paralympics, Blind Power Rankings, non-Paralympic sports, para bobsled, para surfing, showdown, para arm wrestling, blind hockey.

Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube!

About AMI

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 st...

In this episode, Alex and Nathan chat with Paralympic legend and newest member of the Canadian Paralympic Committee Hall of Fame Todd Nicholson. He reflects on his career as an athlete, ambassador, and leader in the para sport movement. He discusses his favourite memories from his time as an athlete and how para ice hockey and the paralympic movement have grown. Alex and Nathan also react to the announcement of the team representing Canada in Wheelchair Curling at the 2026 Milano Cortina Paralympics.

Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube!

About AMI

AMI is...

In this episode, Alex and Nathan welcome two-time Paralympian and Culxtured co-founder, Dani Aravich, for an in-depth conversation about para sports and the media. They explore the challenges and opportunities around representation, from common misconceptions to the ways para sports are covered and portrayed in the media. Dani shares her perspective on how coverage can improve and why accurate representation matters for athletes and fans alike. The conversation also dives into Dani’s personal journey, including her rigorous training and preparation as she gears up for the 2026 Paralympic Games.

Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube!

...

In this episode, Alex and Nathan sit down with Paralympic champion snowboarder Tyler Turner. They catch up on everything he’s juggling right now—from filming his upcoming TV series airing on AMI in 2026, to training in the Yukon, to gearing up for the 2026 Paralympic Games. Tyler’s got a full plate. The guys also put him through a rapid-fire round, asking about his go-to mountain snack, his dream place to ride, and plenty more. Plus, Alex and Nathan recap Canada’s impressive showing at the Youth ParaPan American Games in Chile.

Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTu...

Get an exclusive look inside Canada’s Men’s Para Ice Hockey team with Greg Westlake and Dominic Cozzolino, fresh off a silver medal at the Para Hockey Cup. Greg reflects on returning from retirement and the mental and physical challenges of high-level para ice hockey. Dom highlights the importance of teamwork, leadership, and building confidence ahead of major international competitions.

They also discuss the evolving global competition, the growth of para sports, and the strong brotherhood that defines the Canadian team. In a rapid-fire segment, the guys share personal favorites—from morning skates and rink food to tra...

Fresh off the World Para Powerlifting Championships in Egypt, American powerlifter Ashley Dice joins the show to share what it takes to compete at the highest level of Para Powerlifting. From grueling training sessions to mental resilience and perfect technique, Ashley breaks down how she earned all-white lights in Cairo and how she’s building toward the LA 2028 Paralympic Games. She also opens up about her transition from para track and field to powerlifting, her debut on the Paris 2024 Paralympic stage, and how mental health and visualization shape her success.

Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube!

Join Alex Smyth, Nathan Clement, and producer Jeff as they mark 100 episodes of Para Sport Nation. This milestone episode celebrates the athletes, coaches, and stories that have shaped the show’s first year. From memorable retirement announcements of stars like Mike Whitehead, Patrick Anderson, and Danielle Ellis to uncovering new and unique para sports including para climbing, wheelchair BMX, and para darts, the hosts share their most impactful and humorous moments on and off the field.

Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube!

About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs an...

Discover how Paralympic boccia medalist Iulian Ciobanu is redefining resilience, teamwork, and joy in elite parasport. From his silver at the 2025 Americas Regional Championship to his unique take on performance and partnership, Iulian shares what fuels his passion for the game and how chemistry makes champions.

Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube!

About AMI

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 establish AMI as a lead...

Heidi Peters, captain of Team Canada’s sitting volleyball squad, reflects on the 2025 World Cup, sharing insights on team growth, leadership, and high-performance para sport. She discusses integrating new athletes, building team culture, and advocating for better media coverage and professionalization of para sport in Canada and internationally. Learn how athletes balance competition, mentorship, and governance while shaping the future of sitting volleyball.

Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube!

About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in Engl...

After nearly a decade representing Team Canada in para cycling, Keely Shaw is officially retiring from competition — and she’s doing it entirely on her own terms. In this honest and emotional conversation with Nathan Clement and Alex Smyth, Keely opens up about why now was the right time to step away, how she rediscovered her love for movement, and what’s next as she transitions from athlete to academic and sport researcher.

Follow Para Sport Nation on YouTube!

About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with d...

This episode of Para Sport Nation dives into the preparation and mindset of Canadian para climber Jeremy Ritchie ahead of the 2025 IFSC Para Climbing World Cup. Jeremy shares insights on his training routine, overcoming injuries, and using adaptive equipment to push his limits. He discusses the mental focus required for elite climbing, the camaraderie within the Canadian para climbing team, and the excitement of competing internationally.

Nathan and producer Jeff also reflect on the idea of a “Canadian sports team” in major professional leagues and update listeners on Canada’s para ice hockey team’s preparation for upcoming...

In this episode, Nate Tucker, world champion para-athlete, takes us behind the scenes of elite para-athletics. From his early experiences growing up with a coordination impairment to winning the T-38 1500m World Championship, Nate reveals the mental strategies, creative training techniques, and lifestyle habits that help him stay at the top of his sport.

Listeners and viewers will hear about the challenges of balancing life, family, and professional sport, including how he prepares for races, adapts to tough conditions, and leverages support from coaches, sponsors, and his community. Nate also shares his thoughts on the evolution of...

In this episode para rower Stuart Chase opens up about the highs and lows of Canada’s 2025 World Rowing Championship campaign in Shanghai. The team—made entirely of first-time world championship athletes—faced unexpected challenges, including a prosthetic malfunction mid-race. Despite setbacks, the crew showed grit and pride in their final push against Spain.

Stu discusses lessons from the season, training on Vancouver’s west coast through the winter, and the importance of finding rhythm both on and off the water. He shares his introduction to rowing after transitioning from para canoe kayak, his first international medal at the H...

After more than two decades in wheelchair curling, Dennis Thiessen opens up about what it feels like to step away from competition. Speaking with Nathan, Thiessen shares powerful memories from the Paralympic Games in Sochi, PyeongChang, and Beijing, his emotional final tournament, and the teammates and rivals who shaped his journey.

He also reflects on how wheelchair curling has evolved — from homemade delivery sticks to world-class adaptive equipment — and what it means to represent Team Canada at the highest level. With honesty and warmth, Thiessen talks about family, mentorship, pride, and the legacy he hopes to leave for...

Michael Sametz shares his journey from a horrible leg injury just before the Paris Paralympics to a triumphant return on the international cycling stage. He details the emergency surgery, rigorous rehabilitation, and disciplined training that allowed him to return stronger than ever. Michael also reflects on the challenges and excitement of the Belgium World Championships, highlighting the course, competitive dynamics in C3 para-cycling, and the growth of the sport toward higher professionalism and aerodynamics-focused strategies.

Beyond racing, Michael discusses his role on the board of Athletes Can, the Canadian organization representing national team athletes, including the upcoming 2025...