Inside the Fast-Growing Adaptive Sport of Showdown

This conversation dives into the world of Showdown—a tactile, sound-based sport where athletes compete on a table using wooden paddles, a ball filled with bearings, and blackout eye shades for an even playing field.

Jerri Mather and Millie Britton from the Sheffield Strikers share how they discovered the game through their local blind centre and how it helped them navigate vision loss, build confidence, and connect with others.

They explain equipment essentials like gloves, bats, and eye shields, describe the UK’s emerging Showdown scene, and talk about training sessions that balance fun and high-level skill development.

The athletes also discuss international tournaments, the sport’s growth across Europe, and the possibility of Showdown becoming a future Paralympic event. Their stories highlight the camaraderie, empowerment, and joy that adaptive sports bring to their community.

Plus, the guys have a little fun as they go back and forth debating which are the best sport cities in the world!

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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 establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

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