Episodios

  • Christina Picton Continues to Make History in Women’s Para Ice Hockey
    Aug 17 2025

    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 Paralympian Colin Cameron, her work as a graphic designer for para sport events, and her favorite food destinations from her travels.

    Looking ahead, Christina shares her hopes for gaining Paralympic status for women’s para ice hockey, the importance of inspiring the next generation of players, and ways supporters can get involved — from grassroots development to sponsorship and volunteering.

    Plus, Alex and Nathan have another edition of blind power ranking. This time Nathan has to rank para sports that are currently not in the Paralympics!

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    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 with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

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    30 m
  • Team Canada Goalball: Building Success One Throw at a Time
    Aug 16 2025

    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 in Brazil, where goalball crowds rival soccer matches, and reflects on the Canadian women’s silver-medal performance. He also discusses the sport’s evolution over 20 years, international food adventures, his “Mount Rushmore” of goalball players, and his dream venue for hosting a home tournament.

    Plus, Nathan shares some personal news that he will not be attending the 2025 UCI Paracycling Road World Championships. And how this affects him going forward in his athletic career.

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    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 with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

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    30 m
  • Inside Team Canada’s Wheelchair Rugby Brotherhood
    Aug 3 2025

    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, and team culture.

    We also talk about the changing landscape of Canada’s national team, the rise of new talent, and how new head coach Trevor Hirschfield is shaping the squad post-Zach Madell’s retirement. 🏆

    Matt reveals his wheelchair rugby Mount Rushmore, including legends like Garrett Hickling and Riley Batt, and takes us behind the scenes of the loudest, most electric venues he’s ever competed in. Plus, he shares his favorite global food destinations from his travels in parasport — spoiler alert: Paris tops the list!

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    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 with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

    Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+

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    30 m
  • Building Women’s Blind Soccer in Canada
    Aug 2 2025

    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 hopes for Paralympic inclusion by 2032!

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    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 with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

    Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+

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    30 m
  • Kelly MacDonald on Goalball, Grassroots, and Growing Para Sport
    Jul 27 2025

    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 hopes for deeper athlete fields, classification systems, and international participation. Plus, Alex quizzes Nathan with a fun and challenging round of "Guess That Para Sport,”.

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    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 with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

    Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+

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    Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:

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    34 m
  • Inside Stefan Daniel’s Para-Triathlon Journey
    Jul 26 2025

    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 raced.

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    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 with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

    Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+

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    29 m
  • Tyler McGregor on the Road to the Games
    Jul 20 2025

    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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    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 with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

    Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+

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    32 m
  • Wheelchair Rugby Star Zak Madell Retires
    Jul 19 2025

    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.

    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 with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

    Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+

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    Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:

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    28 m