A Winnipeg teen living with cerebral palsy has embarked on an inspiring journey to live out his dream of becoming a sports broadcaster.
Despite being wheelchair-bound and having a speech impediment, 17-year-old Jordan Rogodzinski hosts his very own internet sports show called the âJordan 411 Sports Show.â
âI love sports and I love to talk,â he said. âI didnât think it would take off as fast, but it did.â
The grade 12 student and self-described sports fanatic has earned a loyal following by interviewing some of Winnipegâs biggest sporting names, from CFL coaches to former Olympians.
And his guests are quick to recognize his talent and ambition.
âI was surprised you knew my birth date,â former defensive tackle for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Doug Brown told Rogodzinski while appearing on the show. âYou know my statsâŚbetter than a lot of broadcasters, let me tell you.
âI think you definitely have a knack for this.â
On Wednesday, about 150 students showed up to watch him interview former Team Canada basketball player Martin Riley who said Rogodzinski âalways comes up with some surprisesâ during his interviews.
Rogodzinski puts the show together with the help of a group thatâs become known as his âentourage.â The crew films, edits and posts episodes online. The show is filmed at Rogodzinskiâs high school, Miles Macdonell Collegiate, located in Winnipegâs north end.
So far, there have been that have each racked up hundreds of views.
âJordan is amazing as a friend and as a student and I think that being him really invites people to open (up),â said crew member Hameid Sofizada.
Rogodzinski has yet to land his dream interview with one of the CFLâs best-known receivers, Milt Stegall, but he certainly isnât about to give up trying.
âEverything that you set your mind to could happen, even though you have a mental, physical (or) emotional disability,â he said. âIt could happen still.â
With files from CTVâs Jill Macyshon and CTV Winnipeg