From Farm Accident to Paralympic Gold & Making Blind Hockey History | Level Playing Field
In this powerful episode of Level Playing Field, we dive into two stories of grit and groundbreaking firsts. First, join 12-time Paralympic medalist Mark Arendz in Canmore, Alberta. After a life-altering farm accident at age seven, Mark found his "meditative space" on the biathlon range, leading to a record-breaking six medals in a single Winter Games. Learn the secret behind his relentless drive and why his hometown renamed a ski park in his honor.
Then, witness a historic milestone in Toronto: the first-ever all-girls and women’s blind hockey game. From touching the Stanley Cup at the Hockey Hall of Fame to hitting the ice with Olympic gold medalist Natalie Spooner, see how these pioneers are ensuring that women’s blind hockey doesn't just survive, it thrives.
#BlindHockey #Paralympics #WomenInSports #MarkArendz #LevelPlayingField #AccessibleMedia #ParaNordic #TeamCanada
Chapters
• Show Open (00:00)
• Para Biathlon with Mark Arendz (01:01)
• Evolving into an Elite Paralympian (03:04)
• Growing up in PEI (04:26)
• Adapting to Life Post-Accident (05:37)
• Discovering Biathlon (06:22)
• The Paralympic Journey Begins (07:06)
• Sport Explained: Para Biathlon (08:21)
• Giving Back to the Community (10:39)
• What’s Next for Mark Arendz? (14:59)
• Canadian National Women’s Blind Hockey Summit (16:11)
• 1st Ever Women’s Blind Hockey Game (19:36)
• End Credits (21:35)
About Level Playing Field
Introducing the athletes, community groups, healthcare professionals and grassroots innovators who demonstrate a desire to help drive positive social change through sport.
This is season 3, episode 4 of Level Playing Field.
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, plus AMI-télé in French, along with the AMI+ streaming platform. Our vision is to position AMI as a leader in accessible content by amplifying the voices of Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, meaningful representation, and positive portrayal.
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