Yes I Can (television series)
Encyclopedia
Yes I Can is a 4-part documentary series created for Setanta Sports
. by beActive Media, with support from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. It features four people overcoming various disabilities and attempting an extreme sport. The contestants are given the chance to participate in radical experiences, from car racing to waterskiing, and encourage other people not to let any disability stop them from living life to the full. It is scheduled to air for four consecutive Mondays in November 2011 on Setanta Sports.
to his story and the participant’s story. The first half of each episode introduces the participant while the second half follows them as they attempt their challenge and strive to achieve their goals.
, and since the passing of her parents she has had to adapt to living on her own. Her sister, Kate, and cousins Liz and Amanda talk us through the obstacles Emma has overcome in her life so far and their hopes for what she can gain from this experience. Emma had decided to attempt the Zip-line
and Fan drop for her Challenge and if this is a success, it could mark the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
, has spent 5 years trying to adapt a wheelchair to enable him to play airsoft
. This game, where players engage in battles using replica weapons, was never meant for someone in a wheelchair. Simon wants to prove it can be done, and with the support of his parents Joe and Ita he has managed to design and build a suitable chair. His brother Edward was a huge supporter of Simon’s dream but sadly passed away two years ago. Simon’s family explain how much this project means to Simon and how much work has gone into it. We learn about dystrophy
and the effect it has.
which is similar to cerebral palsy
. Her family and friends explain how Emma was told she would never walk but now uses just a crutch to get around. She has a fear of water but has learned to swim and now wants to attempt something even more difficult – waterskiing. Emma shares her hopes with us and says that she wants to discover her own limitations, not have them set for her by others. She visits IASC, a manmade lake built by World disabled Waterski Champion Eamonn Prunty.
in 2008. He and his wife Sirpa talk candidly about the impact this has had on their lives. He tells us of his struggles with his guide dog and his own fears as he tries to rebuild his life. Mark is a former motorbike racer and photographer, and friends speak of the support he got from the racing community, as well as his employers and the travel Assist programme at Dublin Bus. Mark wants to recapture the buzz he once thrived on. He wants to revisit Mondello and drive its track. Instructor Philip at the racecourse takes on the task of teaching Mark how to around the track in a Mazda racecar.
Setanta Sports
Setanta Sports is an international sports broadcaster based in Dublin, Ireland. Setanta Sports was formed in 1990 to facilitate the broadcasting of Irish sporting events...
. by beActive Media, with support from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. It features four people overcoming various disabilities and attempting an extreme sport. The contestants are given the chance to participate in radical experiences, from car racing to waterskiing, and encourage other people not to let any disability stop them from living life to the full. It is scheduled to air for four consecutive Mondays in November 2011 on Setanta Sports.
Episodes
Each episode opens with an introduction by Mark PollockMark Pollock
Mark Pollock is an adventurer, athlete, rower, kayaker, author and international motivational speaker from Northern Ireland who became the first blind man to reach the South Pole...
to his story and the participant’s story. The first half of each episode introduces the participant while the second half follows them as they attempt their challenge and strive to achieve their goals.
Episode 1
Emma Levey has struggled with her confidence for a long time. She has spent most of her life in a wheelchair due to her Spina BifidaSpina bifida
Spina bifida is a developmental congenital disorder caused by the incomplete closing of the embryonic neural tube. Some vertebrae overlying the spinal cord are not fully formed and remain unfused and open. If the opening is large enough, this allows a portion of the spinal cord to protrude through...
, and since the passing of her parents she has had to adapt to living on her own. Her sister, Kate, and cousins Liz and Amanda talk us through the obstacles Emma has overcome in her life so far and their hopes for what she can gain from this experience. Emma had decided to attempt the Zip-line
Zip-line
A zip-line consists of a pulley suspended on a cable mounted on an incline...
and Fan drop for her Challenge and if this is a success, it could mark the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
Episode 2
Simon Jameson, who has Muscular DystrophyMuscular dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy is a group of muscle diseases that weaken the musculoskeletal system and hamper locomotion. Muscular dystrophies are characterized by progressive skeletal muscle weakness, defects in muscle proteins, and the death of muscle cells and tissue.In the 1860s, descriptions of boys who...
, has spent 5 years trying to adapt a wheelchair to enable him to play airsoft
Airsoft
Airsoft is a sport in which participants shoot round non-metallic pellets launched via replica firearms.Gameplay varies in style and composition but often range from short-term skirmishes, organized scenarios, military simulations, historical reenactments, to competition target shooting events...
. This game, where players engage in battles using replica weapons, was never meant for someone in a wheelchair. Simon wants to prove it can be done, and with the support of his parents Joe and Ita he has managed to design and build a suitable chair. His brother Edward was a huge supporter of Simon’s dream but sadly passed away two years ago. Simon’s family explain how much this project means to Simon and how much work has gone into it. We learn about dystrophy
Dystrophy
Dystrophy is any condition of abnormal development, often denoting the degeneration of muscles.-Types:* Muscular dystrophy* Duchenne muscular dystrophy* Becker's muscular dystrophy* Reflex neurovascular dystrophy* Retinal dystrophy* Conal dystrophy...
and the effect it has.
Episode 3
Emma Doyle has spent her life exceeding expectations. She was born with a rare condition called Hereditary spastic paraplegiaHereditary spastic paraplegia
Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia , also called Familial Spastic Paraplegias or Strumpell-Lorrain disease, is a group of inherited diseases whose main feature is progressive stiffness and contraction in the lower limbs. as a result of damage to dysfunction of the nerves...
which is similar to cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term encompassing a group of non-progressive, non-contagious motor conditions that cause physical disability in human development, chiefly in the various areas of body movement....
. Her family and friends explain how Emma was told she would never walk but now uses just a crutch to get around. She has a fear of water but has learned to swim and now wants to attempt something even more difficult – waterskiing. Emma shares her hopes with us and says that she wants to discover her own limitations, not have them set for her by others. She visits IASC, a manmade lake built by World disabled Waterski Champion Eamonn Prunty.
Episode 4
Mark Talbot lost his sight to meningitisMeningitis
Meningitis is inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known collectively as the meninges. The inflammation may be caused by infection with viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms, and less commonly by certain drugs...
in 2008. He and his wife Sirpa talk candidly about the impact this has had on their lives. He tells us of his struggles with his guide dog and his own fears as he tries to rebuild his life. Mark is a former motorbike racer and photographer, and friends speak of the support he got from the racing community, as well as his employers and the travel Assist programme at Dublin Bus. Mark wants to recapture the buzz he once thrived on. He wants to revisit Mondello and drive its track. Instructor Philip at the racecourse takes on the task of teaching Mark how to around the track in a Mazda racecar.