Rise Up was a sports television show that aired on ESPN from 2011 to 2012. The show was hosted by former NFL player Chris Spielman and TV personality Deanne Bell. The premise of the show was to profile inspiring stories of athletes who overcame challenging circumstances to achieve personal and professional success. The show featured both well-known and unknown athletes from a variety of sports, including football, basketball, track and field, and gymnastics.
Each episode of Rise Up was centered around a particular athlete or group of athletes, and their story was told through a mix of interviews, archival footage, and on-location reporting. The show aimed to provide viewers with an intimate look at the lives of these athletes and the obstacles they had to overcome to achieve their dreams.
One episode of the show focused on wheelchair basketball player Matt Scott, who was paralyzed from the waist down at the age of 15 following a car accident. Despite his injury, Scott continued to play basketball and eventually earned a scholarship to the University of Arizona, where he helped lead the team to a national championship. The episode highlighted Scott's perseverance and his ability to inspire others who face similar challenges.
Another episode featured former Olympic hurdler Lolo Jones, who overcame poverty and family hardship to become a world-class athlete. The episode explored Jones' childhood and the sacrifices she and her family made to support her athletic ambitions. It also delved into the disappointment she faced after falling short of a medal at the 2008 Olympics, and her subsequent redemption at the 2010 World Indoor Championships.
In addition to profiling individual athletes, Rise Up also highlighted the positive impact that sports can have on communities. One episode of the show focused on the East Lake Foundation, a non-profit organization in Atlanta that used golf as a way to revitalize a struggling neighborhood. The episode featured interviews with residents and stakeholders, as well as golfers who had benefited from the Foundation's programs.
Overall, Rise Up was a heartfelt and inspiring television show that celebrated the power of sports to change lives. With its relatable subject matter and emotional storytelling, the show appealed to both sports fans and non-sports fans alike. Although it only aired for one season, it left a lasting impact on viewers and helped reinforce the notion that sports are about more than just wins and losses.
Rise Up is a series that ran for 5 seasons (10 episodes) between September 13, 2011 and on ESPN
