TV skills bootcamp helps broaden the horizon for para skier

International para skier Mackenzie Griffith is going from strength to strength after completing a film and TV skills bootcamp that has opened up the option of an alternative, but still exciting, career behind the camera.

Mackenzie (pictured), who identifies as non-binary, joined the GB para team after being talent spotted at the age of 15 and is now hoping to make the GB elite team by the end of this season and the national team for the 2026 Olympics in Milan and Cortina.

The 23-year-old from Moseley, Birmingham, decided to undergo the Host Broadcast Training Scheme (HBTI) bootcamp in 2021, so they had something to fall back on if their Olympics dream failed to come true.

The bootcamp is run by Create Central, a trade body set up to turbo-charge the region's film, TV and games industries and a partner of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) which also funds the skills courses.

Mackenzie's skiing career is an inspiring one, marked by dogged determination and natural ability while having cerebral palsy with hemiplegia on their right side. This has affected muscle tone and strength from head to toe, weakening their right side including their torso, chest, leg and arm.

Mackenzie said, “I was born at just 23 weeks and the doctors told my parents I had a 6 per cent chance of survival. After heart and eye surgery, and a lengthy stay in the neonatal unit, I am most definitely a survivor.

“I learnt to walk aged two and to ski at three. My disability has fuelled, not hindered my determination in life. I am physically impaired, and therefore my official international skiing classification is LW 9.1, the more severe classification of someone with both a leg, and arm impairment.

“These challenges have fuelled my determination and desire to go for anything I want, even if one involves throwing myself down a hill at speed. What I most enjoy about being active is that skiing is exhilarating and has given me a sense of freedom, helped me enormously with my self-esteem, and allowed me to develop my independence.”

Funded by the WMCA, Create Central works to encourage the region's screen industry to discover new talent, or to encourage people from other careers to diversify into the TV industry.

Talking about their decision to enrol, Mackenzie said: “I wanted to make sure I wasn't limiting myself to sport. Being involved in the bootcamps offered by Create Central has meant I have developed the skills I need to get involved in the TV industry.

“I love being in front of a screen as an athlete but also enjoy getting behind the scenes to find out about how it all comes together. Thanks to Caroline Officer my tutor and to Emma Riley from Shine TV for supporting me through this training.”

West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: “A key part of our regional agenda is to ensure local people right across our region have the skills they need to succeed.

“Mackenzie's decision to take advantage of the training offer from Create Central is testament to the quality of skills bootcamps available here in the West Midlands. I look forward to seeing many more young people benefitting from bootcamps - boosting their confidence and making the most of their talents in the months and years ahead.”

Mackenzie is currently looking for local sponsorship as they are entirely self-funded. Those interested in supporting them can email mackenziegriffith99@outlook.com

For more about Create Central visit the website