Sports

Sports

Ian competing in a national Taekwondo Tournament. Photo: Tonya Fitzpatrick

“If you come to a fork in the road, take it.”

~ Yogi Berra

Whether spectating or playing, sports travel can be a passionate way to explore the world. From the big games and events that draw thousands of fans to the physical activities that test the mind, body and spirit, sports can bring together families, friends and strangers while reminding us what we have in common. No matter the season, there’s a sport or activity that can give meaning to life. And with sports travel , we can see and explore storied venues and some of the most spectacular places on the planet.

  •   A ski vacation is more than just a simple break from the bustle of the world – it is an adventure that can enrich your life in ways you might not have imagined. If you’re already a seasoned skier, you’ll already be well aware of how incredible the experience can be. Still, there’s nothing wrong with finding ways to make your next ski trip the experience of a lifetime. People have been skiing for almost as long as we’ve been walking upright – we simply cannot resist the thrill of the speed and the call of adventure. It only makes sense that you would want to have the best experience possible, whether you’re a brand-new adventure seeker or a seasoned skiing pro. Choosing The Right Destination Your choice of ski resort destination significantly impacts the kind of experience you’ll have. Different resorts cater to varying levels of skiing proficiency, [...]

  • Sports are a huge aspect of American culture. It therefore makes perfect sense that the nation regularly hosts some of the biggest and best events on the planet. Each American Sports Event is a celebration of exceptional talent and fandom.

  • Experience a slice of American history as two journalists share their perspectives on Martha’s Vineyard and parts of the American south. Author, Bijan Bayne,has been a summer resident of Martha’s Vineyard since childhood.  He says that while most people may know about Martha’s Vineyard because of the Obama family and the movie Jaws, the Vineyard has a rich history within the African American community.   Bijan tells us that the island is much more than a playground for the rich and famous and his stories will shatter some stereotypical notions many hold about Martha’s Vineyard. Travel writer Kathleen Walls loves sharing the historical stories she discovers during her travels.  Her storytelling is truthful and authentic and she isn’t afraid to share stories about dark episodes in American history like the Trail of Tears or slavery.  Kathleen says that often times certain parts of American’s history is overlooked because of shame and [...]

  • Smack in the middle of the booming, luminescent night life of St. Louis' trendy Loop district is a place where you can knock down pins near where President Obama knocks down pies (pizza, that is).

  • The Games of the I Olympiad were held from April 6 to April 15, 1896 in Athens, Greece, the first Olympic Games in modern times. The first Olympics, or "I Olympiad" also established the International Olympic Committee.

  • When someone mentions Australia as a holiday destination, some of the things that spring to mind are sun, sand and maybe the odd Kangaroo. While it's true that there are plenty of opportunities to top up your tan when you're on the other side of the world, Australia is also a treasure trove for those who enjoy watching live sport. Below is a quick look at three must-see events if you happen to be in Oz and fancy watching a few balls being whacked or kicked to get the juices flowing in Australia.

  • World Footprints is broadcasting from Sochi, Russia where we have just arrived for the country’s first ever Winter Paralympic Games.  Before we left the United States, however, we caught up with Taylor Imus, a young journalism student from Ball State University (BSU) who traveled to Sochi with other BSU student journalists.  She shared her Olympic experience and some helpful insights into this city that has gained tremendous international attention.  

  • World Footprints continues to have a wonderful time in Sochi, Russia as the city plays host to the country's first ever Winter Paralympic Games.  Today we will introduce two extraordinary athletes who will inspire you with their stories of courage, tenancity and strength--skiier Stephanie Jallen and hockey player Nikko Landeros.  Both athletes are in Sochi and are focused on bringing home a Gold.  We'll also introduce the mother of World Cup champion Stephanie Jallen.  Deb Jallen knows first-hand about what it takes to raise a champion athlete and she'll share her journey with us. Paralympian Nikko Landeros. Team USA sled hockey. SPECIAL NOTE:  Stephanie Jallen won a Bronze in the women's Super-G in her Paralympic debut. Since childhood Jallen was serious about top-level skiing, giving up many of the normal activities of a teenager to train and compete.  Nikko has been the leading assist on goals obtained in hockey matches in [...]

  • We heard many things about Rio de Janeiro before traveling to the country of Brazil for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.  Some things we heard were not positive so we were determined to explore the city upon arrival and form opinion.  This short reflection segment offers our initial impressions. Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo are two of the most visited destinations in the country, offering visitors (whether in the country on business or pleasure) a fabulous peek into the complex heritage and natural spectacle of Brazil (the largest country in South America). Because of the abundance and accessibility of many of its natural attractions, Brazil has also become acclaimed for its increasing focus on eco-tourism. From the wilderness of the great Amazon rainforests and sun-kissed tropical beaches to the Grand Carnival celebration in Rio, the country has it all. Visit the colonial era towns in the state of Minas [...]

  • Simona de Silvestro driving in the Baltimore Grand Prix.  Photo:  Tonya Fitzpatrick On today’s show World Footprints explores the plight of the endangered Panther, we chat with one of the rising IZOD Indycar stars Simona de Silvestro, and we also view Catholicism through the lens with Father Robert Barron.  As a special bonus, we added some sound bytes and interviews from the DC Stop Modern Slavery walk to end human trafficking. Panthers once roamed the entire southeastern United States; from Florida to South Carolina and Louisiana.  However, the panther was added to the Endangered Species List in 1967 and today the remaining population is isolated in South Florida.  The Panther population has dramatically decreased but many efforts are being made to save this beautiful animal from extinction.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is at the forefront of the Panther conservation efforts and Park Ranger Sandy Mickey from the Florida [...]

  •  World Footprints will take you inside “The Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth”—the Calgary Stampede.  The Calgary Stampede is an annual rodeo, exhibition, and festival held every July in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The ten-day event, which bills itself as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth", attracts over one million visitors per year and features one of the world's largest rodeos, a parade, midway, stage shows, concerts, agricultural competitions, chuckwagon racing, and First Nations exhibitions. Cowboy up and hitch your horse to a chuck wagon as the Stampede’s Keith Rutherford shares the heritage of one of the signature events, the chuck wagon race.  Then meet the young Canadians who charm their way into the hearts of all during the Stampede evening extravaganzas.  They will share what it takes to be a member of this Broadway style glee club.  Finally, World Footprints will visit the Siksika Nation, east of Calgary on the Blackfoot Reservation.  Tribal elder, Bernard Bear Shirt, will share the history of the Tribe through stories and members [...]

  • World Footprints travels through Eastern Montana and explores the history and diversity of Big Sky Country's eastern border.   Eastern Montana is a loosely defined region of Montana. Some definitions are more or less inclusive than others, ranging from the most inclusive, which would include the entire part of the state east of the Continental Divide, to the least inclusive, which places the beginning of "eastern" Montana roughly at or even east of Billings, Montana.