RYAN NEISWENDER
Meet Ryan Neiswender, a Paralympic Gold Medalist, World Champion, corporate keynote speaker, and business leader. Ryan believe sports fans truly are Para sports fans…they just don’t know it yet. He’s passionate about changing the narrative around Para sports and providing access to follow your favorite teams, events, sports and athletes!
REWRITING THE PLAYBOOK
“I want to trail blaze a path for other people with disabilities to have a seat and voice at the table in the sports business industry.
I also want to change the narrative around how Para Sports are viewed, talked about and seen by the general public. And this starts with making the sports more accessible, digestible (understanding the rules), showcased in main stream media.”
REFLECTIONS ON THE JOURNEY
ACHIEVEMENT YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF: “I would have to say winning Paralympic Gold in Tokyo. A goal I chased for 2 decades was realized and I learned a lot about myself over that time period of my life.”
WHO PLAYED A PIVOTAL ROLE IN YOUR JOURNEY: “For me it’s my parents. I lived over 2 hrs away from the closest wheelchair basketball team and for 10+ years they drove me to practice 2 times a week. Those early stage opportunities have unlocked so many doors later in life.”
ADVICE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF: “Be humble enough to prepare, and confident enough to perform. The moment is never too big but the preparation is key to success.”
PARA SPORT MISCONCEPTIONS
“Para Sport athletes are seen by most as “incapable of.” Because of that - when we do everyday things (not even extraordinary things) we are seen as inspirational.
I want the world to see elite Para Sports athletes for their accomplishments and not for overcoming their disability.”
LEVELLING THE FIELD
“How can sports fans become a fan of something they cannot follow or access? The Para Sports world is so fragmented and difficult to follow and major media outlets are not covering the everyday professional sports. Leveling the field is providing the same level of access and coverage for the general sports fan to understand and fall in love with their favorite para sports and athletes.
I think we need to unite and make it easier to access and follow what is going on within each organisation.
Culxtured is a para sports media collective that I have started with 3 other Paralympians to address the lack of coverage, education, and awareness in our sports.”
