RNIB - See Sport Differently

With 2026 marking the 50th anniversary of the first ever Winter Paralympic Games held in Sweden in February 1976 with teams of blind and partially sighted athletes competing in both alpine and nordic skiing for the first time too here on RNIB Connect Radio’s we thought it would be a good time to look back on that very first Winter Paralympic Games and find out what it was like taking part in the games for the first time as a visually impaired Paralympian.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Mike Brace CBE DL who was there along with five other young visually impaired athletes competing for Great Britain at that very first Winter Paralympic Games.

Mike began by telling Toby about how the opportunity came about for him to compete as a blind person in that very first Winter Paralympic Games plus what the training was like to get him and the other visually impaired skiers ready for the games.

Mike then talked about how the games have evolved over the last 50 years from his view point competing as a blind skier in that first ever Winter Paralympic Games, managing the great British Paralympic Cross-Country Ski Team from 1988 to 1994, Chef de Mission for the Great British Team at the Winter Paralympic Games, Director of ParalympicsGB and being involved in bringing the summer Olympics and Paralympic Games to London in 2012.

Mike ended by reflecting on the great success of the Paralympics GB visually impaired skiers over recent years winning many medals, how with the right support and opportunities blind and partially sighted people can achieve so much in sport at whatever level to finally thoughts on the legacy of both the Winter and Summer Paralympic Games.

To find out more about Paralympics GB and opportunities to get involved in some of the Paralympic sports do visit - https://paralympics.org.uk

And for more about other opportunities to get into sport as a visually impaired person do visit the British Blind Sport website - https://britishblindsport.org.uk

Once again, Channel 4 is providing a wealth of Audio Described coverage of the 2026 Winter Paralympics.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Jonathan Penny, from Channel 4, to find out how you can enjoy the games with AD.

If you’d like more info on the coverage, or would like to give feedback on the AD coverage, go to www.channel4.com/4viewers

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The buzz continues for the visually impaired skiing squad at their official kitting-out day as the Italian Winter Paralympics draw near. Catching up with the team during these final preparations, Barry Snell spoke with rising star Sam Cozens and his guide 
Adam Hall.

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Anticipation is peaking for the visually impaired skiing squad at their official kitting-out day as the Italian Winter Paralympics approach. Capturing the buzz of these final preparations, Barry Snell caught up with athlete Fred Warburton and his guide James Hannan.

Image shows Fred posing for an official photo in front of a navy blue background. He's wearing dark bottoms and a navy blue zip jacket and is doing finger guns at the camera.

As the Winter Paralympics in Italy draw closer, excitement is mounting for the visually impaired skiing team at their official kitting-out day. In the midst of these final preparations, Barry Snell spoke with skier Menna Fitzpatrick and her guide, Katie Guest.

Image shows Barry interviewing Menna and Katie. Menna sits on the left with Katie behind her. Barry is holding up a remote recorder as he sits in front of them, focused on what they're saying. They're all having a laugh.

With the Italy Winter Paralympics fast approaching, anticipation is building as ParalympicsGB’s visually impaired skiers come together for their official kitting‑out day. Amid the buzz of final preparations, Barry Snell caught up with ParalympicsGB CEO Dave Clarke to hear his thoughts and expectations ahead of the Games.
 
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As the Italy Winter Paralympics draw closer, ParalympicsGB’s visually impaired skiers came together for their official kitting‑out day. Amid the preparations, Barry Snell sat down with skiing trailblazer Mike Brace — the first blind athlete to represent Britain at a Winter Games back in 1976.

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VI skiers from Paralympics GB recently attended a kitting‑out day ahead of the Winter Paralympics, which will be held in Italy. RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell caught up with skiing sensation Neil Simpson and his guides Andrew and Rob, to hear how preparations are going.

Image shows Neil showing off a light blue official long sleeved shirt. He's smiling wide as he poses for a photo outside the changing rooms. Looking good Neil!

Let's look back at an exciting weekend of football action with former paralympic football player and CEO of British Paralympics Association, Dave Clarke.

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If you're blind or partially sighted and would like to try your hand at sailing a yacht, even if you’ve never stepped onto a boat before, there’s a summer week coming up that you might be interested in.

RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Vicki and Tony about the Sailing Vision Trust’s summer event.

If you’d like more info, or would like to apply, go to www.sailingvision.org

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