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BBC News
07-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Paralympian Archie Atkinson ignored teacher to chase cycling dream
As a teenager, Archie Atkinson could not believe it when one of his teachers told him to quit cycling because it would apparently never amount to with the backing of his parents, the 16-year-old instead decided to leave college and pursue his dreams in the sport he now 20-year-old Paralympian, from Heaton Moor in Stockport, Greater Manchester, said to hear that as a 16-year-old was "pretty hard"."To be told your dreams mean nothing, and what you wanted since you were a little kid was worthless... so I left college the next day," Atkinson said. That single-minded determination, not to mention a desire to prove a point, has certainly paid off."Less than a year later I won my first world championships," said Atkinson."So I sent her a nice email... but I'm sill waiting on a response."Atkinson has shared his story as part of BBC North West Tonight's six-part series about living with invisible disabilities and 20-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism, grew up around cycling and enjoyed many family bike rides as a child. His first experience of riding on a track came when he was 10 years old, under the tutelage of Olympic champion Sir Chris it was not until a chance encounter with double Paralympic gold medallist Ben Watson while on a ride with his father in 2021 that he truly decided to pursue his cycling dreams. Atkinson discovered he was eligible for para-cycling and was accepted on to the British Cycling Foundation a year, he was promoted to its world-class performance programme. "The Paralympics is a whole manner of disabilities," said Atkinson. "It's pretty cool."He thinks there is considerable ignorance though."I was recently at an event in America and you tell them 'I'm a Paralympian' and the first thing they do is look you up and down and try to find your disability."I can understand it. I don't look disabled from the outside, but it's quite hurtful because you're questioning 'is that person disabled'?"Atkinson said he really struggled at school and was "bullied pretty much for four years during high school".He said: "I used to do para football for quite a while and they found out where I trained. "They would film it, post it on social media, use sort of disabled slurs under some stuff."Atkinson said those tough experiences had made him the person he is today."It's built a character that helps in elite sport, as I'm a bit more tough."He said his conditions "don't change who I am. It's a written thing on a piece of paper from a doctor but to have it – I'm proud of it."I wouldn't be me without it so there's no reason to hide it." Atkinson's experiences are echoed by fellow cyclist Kiera 27-year-old, from Bolton, said she only felt safe from the bullies at school when she was hiding in a toilet cubicle. A decade on, she has five world championships to her name. "Sport has been a lifeline that has helped me to be able to accept who I am and make me happy of who I am," said said cycling had also helped her to connect with people."I have grown as a person, picking up lifelong skills," she said. Sport has opened so many doors for winning six Special Olympics gold medals, she serves on both the competition's International and Great Britain Board of Directors. The Special Olympics, in which people with intellectual disabilities from around the world compete, were founded in has autism, a learning disability and Rubinstein Taybi Syndrome - a condition which affects people in different ways and to varying degrees, according to the RTS Support Group."Just having a diagnosis and labels sometimes is difficult because people only see the labels on the paper, they don't see you as a person," she said. Byland is determined to help others who are also living with disabilities and conditions which are not immediately obvious. "I always say, I like to be the person that I wish I had when I was younger."If you're in a dark place right now, in school, and you're struggling with academics, there is a different way."Life doesn't have to be in one direction. "You can make your own path and thrive and survive in many ways."Archie Atkinson and Kiera Byland feature in a special six-part BBC North West Tonight series about invisible disabilities and conditions. You can watch it on BBC One in the Northwest of England and the Isle of Man from 18:30 BST on Monday 7 July. It will also be available on the BBC iPlayer. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Associated Press
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
Moving From Now to Next: How 3M's Technology Is Shaping Tomorrow
Originally published on 3M News Center From technological advances to globalization and economic uncertainty, the pace of change has never been faster. 3M recently completed an in-depth study to understand what technologies will most influence the future of how we live, work, and interact within our communities. Six major technology themes rose to the top: AI and computational technology; immersive technology; nanotechnology; energy technology; environmental technology; and electronics technology. These technologies will fundamentally help drive future material and digital science advancements, moving us from what's here today, to what comes next. 'Out of 80 anonymized proposals, through ranking and rating, 30 prominent technologies were identified and clustered under these six technology themes' explained Ben Watson, R&D strategy leader, Corporate Research Labs, who led the 'Technologies for the Future' team effort. 3M's innovations align with the six major technology themes and are expected to drive future material and digital science advancements, moving us from innovations for today to what's next. '3M's pursuit of creative ingenuity and our culture of global collaboration allows us to constantly redefine the boundaries of materials science,' says John Banovetz, executive vice president and chief technology officer at 3M. 'Our deep expertise enables us to tackle current challenges in mobility, safety, workforce dynamics, and energy, and to envision a future shaped by groundbreaking innovations.' AI, computational technology and nanotechnology: A new age of innovation is coming to shape the Future of Mobility With 1.3 billion vehicles on the road, mobility and how we get around is a constant driver for change and innovation. The steady growth of the EV market has been a key driver for materials innovation across the automotive industry, influencing everything from batteries and interiors. What the world needs now 3M is addressing challenges in the automotive industry through innovations in thermal management and battery materials, adhesives, and display technologies. For instance, 3M Glass Bubbles make composite materials lighter, 3M battery solutions include thermal management materials that help dissipate heat and insulate components and 3M adhesives enable efficient disassembly of EV battery packs, reducing waste and facilitating recycling. Additionally, 3M optical films improve in-cabin displays and vehicle connectivity, boosting efficiency and safety. AI will make finding materials, like new nanocomposites, even easier. We expect these new materials to help drive efficiency, reducing overall vehicle costs while improving usability and performance. Tomorrow's possibilities 'AI-enabled material discovery can help to identify high-performance materials with new applications for battery efficiency and longevity, that can address range concerns by improving the overall performance of EV batteries and power,' says Tom Clausen, Global Lab Director, Computer Science at 3M. Additionally, we can expect to see the development of ultra-high refractive index nanocomposites, that can help to improve display efficiency, while new passive thermal management materials will reduce the weight and cost of active cooling systems for passenger comfort. Electronics and environmental technology: Connecting safe work habits with future innovations Health and safety are essential for businesses, workers and communities to thrive and safety concerns span multiple environments. In manufacturing and industrial settings, worker safety experts are increasingly turning to technology for new solutions to long-standing risks, like hazard detection and prevention on the job. What the world needs now 3M has a legacy of developing safety solutions, such as the 3M N95 respirator, which became vital during the COVID-19 pandemic. 3M also offers virtual reality modules for safety training and high-performance reflective road materials to enhance visibility and safety. Tomorrow's possibilities 'Advances in AI are enabling smarter factory systems that optimize production, boost efficiency, and enhance safety by monitoring conditions and adapting operations in real-time,' says Brian Brooks, Senior Staff Scientist at 3M. 'Factories will increasingly integrate cyberphysical materials — smart materials that detect changes in temperature, pressure, light, or stress and respond automatically.' With embedded sensors, microchips, or wireless links, these materials will interact digitally with factory systems, helping ensure workplace safety, efficiency, and security. 'Advanced materials will also be developed for use in extreme environments, to enable durable and reliable components in advanced transportation and energy applications, helping to reduce the risk of failures and helping to keep workers in those environments safe,' says Matt Frey, Senior Staff Scientist in 3M's Corporate Research Materials Lab. Energy technology: Advancing tomorrow's energy economy As global demand for reliable and affordable energy surges, countries are accelerating investments in power generation, grid modernization and energy efficiency to meet their energy goals. Accelerated demand is driving an interest in new materials and scalable, efficient solutions for challenges including grid stability and reducing energy loss in the built environment. What the world needs now 3M is at the forefront of developing materials science innovations that enhance energy security and grid resilience. For example, 3M's advancements in electrical infrastructure, such as 3M ACCR (Aluminum Conductor Composite Reinforced) technology, enable the transmission of more electricity over longer distances without the need for new transmission towers. Additionally, 3M's hydrogen catalyzer technology plays a crucial role in the production of green hydrogen, a clean energy source. Tomorrow's possibilities 'We anticipate the continued and accelerated integration of solar energy technologies directly into building surfaces, transforming structures into power generators and significantly reducing the carbon footprint of urban areas,' says Bill Weber, Director of Business Development, 3M Ventures. Moreover, Silicon Photonics technology can optimize resource use by enabling efficient data transmission with lower power consumption, supporting edge-based AI deployments, and reducing energy demands in data centers and communication networks. Immersive technology: Bridging skills gaps with technology The National Association of Manufacturers reports that the skills gap could result in 2.1 million unfilled manufacturing jobs by 2030. This gap is driven by changing workforce attitudes, with 75% from a recent global survey viewing manufacturing jobs positively and 74% recognizing the need for enhanced technology skills, but nearly that same amount 70% in the U.S. are concerned that automation will replace those jobs. To combat the labor shortage and challenge concerns around automation, companies are turning to technology like integrated robotics, immersive technology, and AI. What the world needs now As a leading global manufacturer and science company, 3M is committed to advancing economic development by supporting job creation and inspiring the next generation of STEM talent through careers in manufacturing. 3M addresses workforce needs directly through our many partnerships and through initiatives like its Manufacturing and Academic Partnerships (MAP) program and its partnerships with SkillsUSA and WorldSkills. Tomorrow's possibilities 'Immersive technologies such as Neural Radiance Fields (NeRF) can generate 3D scenes from regular photos and videos. These technologies could greatly improve how we train employees to operate in a physical environment, like a factory setting,' says Kevin Gotrik, Research Specialist, with 3M's Corporate Research lab Special materials that can be read by Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) systems can also help create digital versions of real-world objects, track their movements, and display virtual objects, blending physical and digital workspaces for efficiency and safety. Moving beyond the expected Jayshree Seth, 3M's chief science advocate and corporate scientist, emphasizes that while 3M's analysis targets future technologies, unforeseen breakthroughs can reshape our perception of possibilities. These 'wildcards' might involve advances in quantum computing, the convergence of biological and digital technologies, or surprising material discoveries. By embracing six major technology themes, 3M is not only advancing current progress but also preparing for future innovations. With a focus on collaboration and creativity, 3M is dedicated to making a positive impact and building a better world for all. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from 3M
BBC News
26-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Ex-Canary Forbes finds winning way with US start-up side
How do you start a professional football team from nothing? For at least some of the answers to that question, try contacting former Norwich, Luton and Swansea midfielder Adrian Forbes at his base in was just over a year ago that the 46-year-old left a coaching job at Luton's academy to become sporting director of a start-up club in the USA with no having agreed to double up responsibilities as head coach, he has a 'roster' of players at Texoma FC - and they have started to win a few games as well after, as he puts it, "stinking up the league a little bit" at the start of their first assembled a multi-national squad for their first USL League One campaign with players from Poland, South Africa, Ghana, Gambia, Canada, as well as the US, along with two from England - Luke McCormick and Teddy Baker, who began in the academies at Nottingham Forest and taking 13 points from the last 15, they are currently eighth in the 14-team league, although Texoma FC is quite a sober name alongside the likes of Spokane Velocity, Charlotte Independence, Greenville Triumph and Portland Hearts Of Pine. Owners kept faith in 'sticky spell' Club president Ben Watson and chief executive Simon Keizer are the men chiefly responsible for tempting Forbes to the 6,500-capacity Historic Bearcat Stadium in Sherman, north Texas, just 11 miles south of the birthplace of former US president Dwight D made contact with him via the LinkedIn website and Forbes took the momentous decision to start a new life with his wife Shelley, who also plays an active role at the club, and family on the other side of the Forbes - who also played for Blackpool, Millwall and Grimsby - is grateful to the five-man ownership group for keeping faith in him after the initial disappointment of poor results."When we had that sticky spell, it would have been quite easy for them to go 'well, we haven't won in five games, it's time to make a change', and I couldn't have blamed them if they'd done that, but they stuck by me and the work I was doing and now hopefully they see the fruit that's been grown off the back of it," he told BBC Radio Norfolk."A massive thank you to them and I hope I can be part of bringing them a lot of success over the next one, two, three, four, five, 10 years, however long it will be, because I absolutely love it." He continued: "We are all gearing up to make this team as successful as it can be. Our first key aim is to get promoted from USL League One into the USL Championship." 'Better the person, better the player' Extreme heat and 30-minute time-outs during games if there is lightning in the area - "They certainly don't teach you (about) that on the coaching qualification" - are all factors to be taken into the account by what was he looking to do when he began putting his squad together?"Developing players who can go on to be the best form of themselves," he said."Having the right people in the building first and foremost - the better the person, the better the player - and I feel we've done that."If we can keep the same attitude, same work ethic that we've shown the last two months, then it can be a successful season."I think we lost the first five and we conceded 14 goals and now we find ourselves four points off third in the table, but the season doesn't finish till October, so there is still a lot of work to do but certainly Texoma are going in the right direction." Am I wearing the right hat? Forbes' dual roles means he has to switch between them several times a day, and living in the same residential complex as his players, he and his wife also cook meals for them as a hectic life, which can also mean 20-hour road trips to matches."We'll be up around half five sorting out the breakfast. Then she'll make sure she's got everything so she can do their protein shakes for after training."I've got two hats - but she wears half of one of them quite often. It's important for me to say because she is my rock at the moment and allows me to be able to do both roles," he said."It is sporting director at first sign-in, then you get to training, you put your head coach hat on. Once that's finished, you put your sporting director's hat on again because there's something from a technical side that might need taking care of."Then you might have to put your head coach hat on again because you've got to do your weekly broadcast call for ESPN or CBS before your game at the weekend, or local media." Professional football was first played in the United States in 1921 but despite Major League Soccer and the involvement of high-profile figures like Sir David Beckham and Lionel Messi, its profile and popularity still lags behind the NFL and though, believes hosting the current Club World Cup and the expanded World Cup in 2026 will help attract more followers to the game."The game is growing over here and it's growing at a really quick rate. I can totally see why now is a good time to hold the World Cup here," he the meantime, he is looking to forge links with clubs in England which could lead to younger players being given the opportunity to continue their development over in the US."That is something that 100% I want to do over a period of time," he said."There is a real big opportunity for young English-based players to come over here and get minutes in a league I feel they would thrive in and there is a real call for it over here as well."I've got several ideas, whether it is player exchanges, coach exchanges - if you look at Norwich or Luton as an example in my experiences with both their academies, I genuinely feel there could be a real help for coaches over here."Now, though, it is time to focus on Texoma's next fixture at home to Phoenix Rising on added: "As I sit here now, we've got the best form in the league, so long may that continue."
Irish Independent
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
See photos as Wicklow Rugby Club hosts annual dinner dance
Special guests from Rathdrum, Greystones and Arklow rugby clubs were also in attendance, alongside current and past Wicklow RFC members, their families and friends. President Ann Morrissey welcomed everyone to the event and spoke about the club's many achievements over the past 12 months. Awards on the night were also presented to the senior men's and women's section and the recently formed under-20s. The senior player of the year was Ben Watson, while Brian Johnson won young player of the year. The seconds player of the year was Caolan Mooney. Luke Fox collected the award for most improved player. The under-20 player of the year was Eamonn Goddard, and the under-20 award for most improved player was won by Jack McCaul. In the women's section, the AIL player of the year was Caitlin Griffey. J1 player of the year was Faye O'Neill. Most improved player was Val Conyard. The young player of the year was Clara Dunne. The Mervyn Morrison Trophy for coach of the year was awarded to the under-18 coaches. The Peter Duffy Trophy for long-service to the club was won by brother and sister Robert Nolan and Lynn Armstrong. The Clarke Auctioneers Trophy for service over the past year was deservedly won by Rhona Younger. The night proved a resounding success, with all present dancing away into the early hours, with the band Fusion providing the music.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Georgia Senate advances pair of bills to ban gender-transitioning treatment for minors, inmates
Georgia's Senate passed two bills to ban most gender-transitioning treatment for minors and inmates in state prisons, with some Democrats joining Republicans in supporting the measures. Lawmakers voted 34-19 on Monday for a bill to ban most gender-transitioning treatments, including puberty blockers, for anyone under the age of 18, even for people already on treatment. In 2023, the state banned most gender-transitioning surgeries and hormone replacement therapies for transgender children unless they were already receiving treatment. "You're asking [minors] to make changes that will have changes to the rest of their lives," GOP Sen. Ben Watson, the bill's sponsor, said Monday. "It is not a fair decision to them. It is not a fair decision to the parents." A second bill — sponsored by Senate Majority Whip Randy Robertson — that would ban most gender-transitioning treatment for inmates in state prisons passed 37-15. Senate Dems Face Backlash After Bill To Prevent Boys From Playing Girls' Sports Fails To Break Filibuster Opponents of the measures accused Republicans of playing politics by targeting transgender people and argued that lawmakers should focus on more pressing issues. They said both bills infringe on the rights of transgender people and their families to make decisions about gender-transitioning treatment. Read On The Fox News App "This body has promulgated bill after bill attacking trans people with the ultimate goal of making trans folks disappear. We've been here before," Senate Minority Whip Kim Jackson, a Democrat who is openly lesbian, said Monday. At least 26 states have enacted laws restricting gender-transitioning treatment for minors, although most have been slapped with lawsuits. Texas Lawmaker Proposes Bill To Ban Gender Transition Treatment For Everyone, Including Adults Jackson and other Democrats proposed an amendment to Watson's bill that would have allowed minors already receiving gender-transitioning treatment to continue to avoid the medical and emotional risks of stopping in the middle of treatment, but the amendment failed. Democrat Sens. Elena Parent and Sonya Halpern reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the rights of transgender people but bucked party lines to vote for Robertson's bill, saying they do not believe taxpayers should be burdened with the cost of gender-transitioning treatment for inmates. Parents proposed an amendment to make an exception for inmates already undergoing hormone replacement therapy, but that amendment also failed. "I will not let my party be dragged into an argument that makes us look out of touch with the very people we claim to represent," Halpern said. Democrat Sen. Sally Harrell, who has two transgender children, said she wanted "to remind people that we are talking about very real people — parents, children, families." Sen. Freddie Powell Sims was the lone Democrat who voted for both bills, while four Democrats supported the bill banning gender-transitioning treatment for inmates. Last month, the Senate passed bills to ban biological boys from playing in girls' sports and stripped public funding for gender-transitioning treatment for adults. The four bills will now head to the House. The Associated Press contributed to this article source: Georgia Senate advances pair of bills to ban gender-transitioning treatment for minors, inmates
