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 “Jordan 411 Sports Show.”
“I love sports and I love to talk,” he said. “I didn’t think it would take off as fast, but it did.”
The grade 12 student and self-described sports fanatic has earned a loyal following by interviewing some of Winnipeg’s biggest sporting names, from CFL coaches to former Olympians.
And his guests are quick to recognize his talent and ambition.
“I was surprised you knew my birth date,” former defensive tackle for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Doug Brown told Rogodzinski while appearing on the show. “You know my stats…better than a lot of broadcasters, let me tell you.
“I think you definitely have a knack for this.”
On Wednesday, about 150 students showed up to watch him interview former Team Canada basketball player Martin Riley who said Rogodzinski “always comes up with some surprises” during his interviews.
Rogodzinski puts the show together with the help of a group that’s become known as his “entourage.” The crew films, edits and posts episodes online. The show is filmed at Rogodzinski’s high school, Miles Macdonell Collegiate, located in Winnipeg’s north end.
So far, there have been five episodes that have each racked up hundreds of views.
“Jordan is amazing as a friend and as a student and I think that being him really invites people to open (up),” said crew member Hameid Sofizada.
Rogodzinski has yet to land his dream interview with one of the CFL’s best-known receivers, Milt Stegall, but he certainly isn’t about to give up trying.
“Everything that you set your mind to could happen, even though you have a mental, physical (or) emotional disability,” he said. “It could happen still.”
With files from CTV’s Jill Macyshon and CTV Winnipeg
