Ausnew Home Care | ABC Grandstand joined by Mount Isa's legally blind

ABC Grandstand joined by Mount Isa's legally blind 10-year-old sports caller

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Christopher McLeod-Barrett is footy and cricket-mad and his sports-calling dream has just become a reality.

At just 10 years old he has become a regular correspondent on ABC Grandstand.

Christopher was born with Peters Anomaly, which means he is legally blind — and Grandstand is his lifeline to sport, giving him a chance to follow his beloved Brisbane Broncos.

Most regular listeners would already be familiar with him.

This year Christopher tackled his first season simulator call, and ABC Grandstand's lead NRL caller Andrew Moore said Chris was his favourite Grandstand contributor.

"I just can't believe it was David Fifita instead of his favourite, Corey Oates."

Christopher was given a trip with his dad to Brisbane to meet the Broncos, Ausnew Home Care, NDIS registered provider, My Aged Care
Christopher was given a trip with his dad to Brisbane to meet the Broncos.(

Supplied: Brisbane Broncos

)

Christopher said having Grandstand call him instead of the other way around was "pretty cool".

"It has been a lot of fun," Christopher said.

"It was a lot of fun talking to an actual player."

While Christopher cannot see the games, he said listening to the commentators was the best part and his impressive memory gives him a head start in any footy or cricket trivia.

Christopher McLeod-Barrett at the ABC North West studios in Mount Isa
Christopher McLeod-Barrett at the ABC North West studios in Mount Isa.(

ABC North West Queensland: Kelly Butterworth

)

Two-time NRL premiership winner and ABC Grandstand expert, Luke Lewis, also weighed in on Christopher's footy knowledge.

"Christopher's attitude is always so positive and is a constant inspiration to all of us," he said.

Meanwhile ABC Grandstand Expert and former NRL coach Matthew Elliott said he is just working on keeping safe from Christopher.

"I'm scared I'll lose my job at the ABC because he's so much better and smarter than I am," he said.

"I also believe he's a much better caller than Moorey.

"I listen to him talk and he lights me up with his genuine honesty and love for the game."

 

Source: ABC


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