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Emergency center for youth, set to replace existing facility, to open next year in Rochester – Post Bulletin

ROCHESTER — On a 7-acre plot just south of Rochester, construction on a new emergency youth center — set to replace the current Von Wald Youth Center on the same property — is underway. The new facility “will be a national model for kids who need help,” said Dan Pfarr, CEO of 180 Degrees, the […]

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ROCHESTER — On a 7-acre plot just south of Rochester, construction on a new emergency youth center — set to replace the current Von Wald Youth Center on the same property — is underway.

The new facility “will be a national model for kids who need help,” said Dan Pfarr, CEO of 180 Degrees, the supportive housing and social services organization that operates the center.

“The whole idea is to really build a facility where you can thrive, and where they’re just not put in a place to be,” Pfarr said.

Staff from 180 Degrees, project benefactors and other community guests toured the new building on Thursday, June 5. Most of its walls and windows are in place, but appliances, doors and other furnishings are yet to be installed.

The center serves 12- to 19-year-olds in Southeast Minnesota who are dealing with housing insecurity, a family crisis, mental health, behavioral health and/or substance abuse. Depending on their situation, they might stay at Von Wald for a few nights, a few weeks or several months.

The current Von Wald building, Pfarr said, has been used as an emergency center for youth since the 1980s. Previously, it was a day care, and before that, it was a farmhouse. With eight bedrooms, a few living areas and a small office for staff, privacy and space for both staff and clients are a present concern.

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A bedroom in the current Von Wald Youth Center building south of Rochester.

Sophia Marschall / Post Bulletin

“I knew from day one that we needed to do something different, both for the health of our kids and the safety of our kids,” said Pfarr, who joined 180 Degrees in 2015. “This building had served its purpose.”

Youth will continue to use the current building up until the point the new building is ready to be lived in, which Pfarr said could happen in November. A grand opening is anticipated in early 2026.

The new building is divided into two halves: business and home, Pfarr said. The front half of the building designates space for staff offices, a staff break room, a donation room, classrooms and a wellness room where, for example, a teen can be administered their medicine.

“We can have family meetings, we can have community convenings … we can host workshops,” Pfarr said. “We’re able to have the kids separated so they can have privacy.”

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The exterior of the future Von Wald Youth Center building, still under construction.

Sophia Marschall / Post Bulletin

A large, open dining space bridges the “business” and “home” ends of the building. It will feature floor-to-ceiling windows on its north and south walls that can open up, which “allows for nature to come inside,” said Sara Marquardt, a youth case manager at the center.

A kitchen is located off the dining area. In the current center, Marquardt said meals are prepared on-site, and youth can help cook and bake if they wish. That tradition will continue in the new building, she said.

Accommodating up to 12 youth at one time, the “home” half of the new center will feature individual bedrooms with big windows and closets. Each “pod” of four bedrooms will have its own shared bathroom and laundry room.

Besides bedrooms, there are multiple rooms designated as music, art and gaming spaces, a fitness room, a big living area and two calming rooms. Those rooms, Marquardt said, can be used when a client is overwhelmed and needs a quiet, private spot to calm down. They can also be used for prayer or meditation.

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A room in the future Von Wald Youth Center building that will be designated as a calming space.

Sophia Marschall / Post Bulletin

“In our current building, we don’t have a space for that,” Marquardt said. “Kids just have to go to their rooms, and it feels like a punishment.”

Outside, after the new building is complete, Pfarr said 180 Degrees will restore prairie and build trails on the grounds, along with setting up solar panels to reduce the facility’s emissions.

Opportunities to sponsor rooms in the new center are available on 180 Degrees’

project webpage.

Youth Shelter Final/060525-Youth-Shelter-sm20250605_0005.jpg

A room in the future Von Wald Youth Center building, located south of Rochester.

Sophia Marschall / Post Bulletin

Youth Shelter Final/060525-Youth-Shelter-sm20250605_0002.jpg

Dan Pfarr, CEO of 180 Degrees, at the site of the future Von Wald Youth Center building, located south of Rochester.

Sophia Marschall / Post Bulletin





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In an All-Star Game ruled by youth, Clayton Kershaw receives touching tribute

ATLANTA — The faces of MLB’s next generation stepped onto the mound to begin the 2025 All-Star Game, but by the end of the night, everyone was paying homage to the generation before. Clayton Kershaw, in his 11th All-Star Game appearance, took over for Pittsburgh Pirates flamethrower Paul Skenes in the second inning Tuesday night […]

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ATLANTA — The faces of MLB’s next generation stepped onto the mound to begin the 2025 All-Star Game, but by the end of the night, everyone was paying homage to the generation before.

Clayton Kershaw, in his 11th All-Star Game appearance, took over for Pittsburgh Pirates flamethrower Paul Skenes in the second inning Tuesday night at Truist Park. The National League beat the American League in a swing-off after the ninth inning ended in a 6-6 tie. Despite all the last-minute chaos, what could be the final All-Star Game for a living legend still came up in news conferences from players across the league.

“He’s probably one of the Mount Rushmore guys in Dodger history,” New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso said.

Kershaw, who recently became the fourth left-handed pitcher to amass 3,000 strikeouts, made quick work of Cal Raleigh and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for his first two outs before NL manager Dave Roberts pulled him from the game. Kershaw offered Roberts the ball, but Roberts told him to keep it.

“That’s yours,” Roberts said as Kershaw walked off the mound.

Kershaw — 4-1 with a 3.38 ERA in 10 starts this season — was at this game because he was a so-called legend pick from the commissioner’s office. It’s a way of honoring players who have helped shape this game in their final years. Before Tuesday, though, Kershaw felt strange about being the recipient of such an honor.

“My initial response was just, you don’t ever want to take somebody’s spot or you don’t ever want to be a sideshow,” Kershaw said. “You just want to be a part of it because you deserve it.”

By the end, Kershaw said he was glad he was there.

He struck out Guerrero, and as he walked back toward the dugout, Kershaw received a standing ovation from the Truist Park crowd. He blew kisses to his family in the stands. Mic’d up on the Fox broadcast, he even showed an ornery side. “Suck it, Big Dumper,” he said, referencing Raleigh, as he high-fived teammates in the dugout.

“That’s one of the best that will ever do it,” Raleigh said. “A ton of respect for him and what he’s done for the game. Just really cool that I got to face him, and definitely something I’ll remember.”

Jason Adam, a reliever on the rival San Diego Padres and admirer of Kershaw’s, replaced the left-hander in the game. He told Kershaw afterward: “That was one of the coolest experiences of my career.”

Ryan O’Hearn watched Kershaw as a fan before he debuted in the majors in 2018. Now O’Hearn was watching from the on-deck circle as Kershaw walked off the field for what could be the last time in this setting.

“What a legend in the game,” the Baltimore Orioles outfielder said. “Obviously, what he’s done is incredible.”

Hours before Kershaw pitched in an All-Star Game for the eighth time in his career, he had talked about the crop of young pitchers who rule today’s game.

Skenes and American League starter Tarik Skubal have become dominant forces. Jacob Misiorowski was among the big subjects of All-Star week. Garrett Crochet and MacKenzie Gore are among other left-handers thriving. Kershaw sees the talent and the game’s evolution.

“I never threw that hard,” he joked.

Kershaw represents a different breed. In an era when pitchers are often injured and their innings protected like never before, Kershaw could be the last pitcher to reach 3,000 strikeouts anytime soon. He is a three-time Cy Young winner with 216 wins to his name. Nearly all those players Kershaw was talking about have looked up to him since before they were old enough to drive.

“It’s an honor to finally get to meet him,” Misiorowski said. “Maybe it’s his last (All-Star Game), maybe not. I hope not, because I want to be around him a little bit more.”

Earlier this season, Skubal was starstruck when he talked with Kershaw on the field at Dodger Stadium.

“Just talking about process, slider, fastball, game plan, prep, how he’s done it throughout the years — it resonated with me a ton,” Skubal had said. “I’m very appreciative for those 20 minutes. It feels like I got a lifetime of knowledge from him.”


Clayton Kershaw acknowledges the fans after being removed from the All-Star Game on Tuesday. (Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)

Here in Atlanta, Skenes said he tried to keep his distance, cognizant of Kershaw’s time in a busy week. But he was with Kershaw and his family in the waiting room for the Red Carpet Show and relished the opportunity.

“He’s such a class act,” Skenes said. “It’s just so impressive, obviously, what he’s done in the game, but the human that he is. Watching him be a dad, it was a cool experience for me.”

Before Tuesday’s All-Star Game, Roberts had Kershaw speak to the NL team in a meeting. Kershaw talked about the honor of the All-Star Game and thanked players for making the effort to be on site. Kershaw is tied with Mike Trout for the most All-Star selections of any active player.

“The All-Star Game, it can be hard at times for players,” Kershaw said. “It’s a lot of travel. It’s a lot of stress, chaos, family, all the stuff, but it’s meaningful. It’s impactful for the game. It’s important for the game. We have the best All-Star Game of any sport. We do have the best product. So to be here, to realize your responsibility in the sport, is important.”

Adam called Kershaw “the best in the game” and showed his appreciation for Kershaw’s doing exactly that, giving up his break to be there. “(To) come here and do this for the game of baseball and be here with us and lead us was really special,” Adam said.

Manny Machado, who was briefly teammates with Kershaw during the 2018 season, spoke of Kershaw’s overall importance, which extends far beyond the rivalry between Machado’s Padres and Kershaw’s Los Angeles Dodgers.

“I think you’re talking about legends of the game,” Machado said of Kershaw’s standing ovation. “I think the game is above competition when you go out there.”

Roberts spent two days observing the way his venerated left-hander handled the gravitas of the All-Star Game. Kershaw trotted around with his family, stayed until the end of the Home Run Derby, reveled in all the pageantry even though he had done it so many times before.

“I loved seeing Clayton just happy,” Roberts said.

Tuesday night, after talking with media members after his outing, Kershaw exited the Truist Park interview room.

That’s when part of a previous generation stopped Kershaw and added another link to the chain that connects players across time.

Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez looked at Kershaw and told him, “I’ll see you in Cooperstown, bro.”

(Top photo: Jamie Squire / Getty Images)



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On the Mark | Opelika sports scene heats up with Media Days, Youth World Series

BY D MARK MITCHELL OPINION — The countdown is on for the 2025 FOX Sports 910-1310 “The Game” High School Media Days, proudly presented by The Orthopaedic Clinic. This two-day blitz of local high school football teams will take place July 29 and 30 at an exciting new location: First Baptist Church Opelika’s 316 Center, […]

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BY D MARK MITCHELL

OPINION —

The countdown is on for the 2025 FOX Sports 910-1310 “The Game” High School Media Days, proudly presented by The Orthopaedic Clinic. This two-day blitz of local high school football teams will take place July 29 and 30 at an exciting new location: First Baptist Church Opelika’s 316 Center, situated at the corner of Avenue C and South 8th Street in downtown Opelika.
A total of 29 high school football teams will be represented at this year’s event, with each program bringing their head coach and three to four players. Attendees can expect a diverse lineup, including teams that play 8-man football, 11-man football and squads from both the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) and the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA).
Leading off Tuesday’s lineup is AHSAA Assistant Director Caleb Ross, while Wednesday will feature AISA Athletic Director Roddy Beck and Big East official Dana Barker kicking off the day’s festivities.
With a new schedule in place, Media Days will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. both Tuesday and Wednesday, giving fans and media a concentrated window to hear from the athletes and coaches shaping this upcoming football season.
Coverage will be comprehensive and far-reaching. Fans can tune in via FOX Sports 910-1310 “The Game,” stream online at kickerfm.com, listen through the iHeartRadio app or watch the event live on WOTM-TV (Channel 80 on Charter). A strong media presence is expected, including television, print and digital outlets ready to showcase the stories and personalities behind each program.
High School Media Days continues to grow as a premier preseason spotlight, and with The Orthopaedic Clinic’s continued partnership, the event is set to kick off the 2025 football season with style, energy and community pride.
Opelika DBB Baseball World Series
The spirit of competition and community pride will be on full display as the 2025 Junior (13u) DBB Baseball World Series arrives in Opelika, July 25 through 29. Hosted by the City of Opelika, the Parks and Recreation Department and Auburn-Opelika Tourism, this prestigious five-day double-elimination tournament will bring together 11 state champion teams, joined by Opelika, for an exciting week of baseball at West Ridge Park.
Festivities begin Friday at 5 p.m. with opening ceremonies featuring local dignitaries, including the mayors of Opelika and Auburn. Fans won’t want to miss the keynote address from Auburn University head baseball coach Butch Thompson, who will be on hand to set the tone for a tournament that celebrates excellence on and off the field.
Immediately following the ceremony, the games begin:
Opelika vs. South Carolina will be on Harrelson Field (Field 1) at 6 p.m.
Arkansas vs. Florida will be on Field 2 at 6 p.m.
The action picks up again Saturday morning at 9 a.m., with games continuing daily through Tuesday night, culminating in the crowning of a champion.

D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.




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Noblesville Boom host youth basketball camp

Around 50 young basketball players are participating in a basketball camp that is being hosted by the Noblesville Boom. The camp, which is operated by the National Basketball Academy, is the first-ever event taking place at The Arena at Innovation Mile, the future home of the Boom. (Richie Hall) Posted By: Richie Hall July 16, […]

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Around 50 young basketball players are participating in a basketball camp that is being hosted by the Noblesville Boom.
The camp, which is operated by the National Basketball Academy, is the first-ever event taking place at The Arena at Innovation Mile, the future home of the Boom. (Richie Hall)

The REPORTER

The Noblesville Boom is hosting a youth basketball camp this week at The Arena at Innovation Mile.

Warren Wallace, one of the coaches at the camp, leads players through a drill. (Richie Hall)

It’s the first-ever event taking place in the new arena, which will be the new home of the Boom, the NBA G League affiliate of the Indiana Pacers, this autumn. Around 50 young basketball players are participating in the camp.

The camp is operated by the National Basketball Academy. Rosemary Skripsky, the academy’s program director, spoke to The Reporter on Tuesday. In addition to basketball drills, Skripsky said the academy brought in High Octane Academy, a strength performance group.

“They are the strength and conditioning staff for the Indy Fuel and the Fishers Freight,” said Skripsky. “We’re adding in sports performance for these young athletes as well. We’re going to be able to showcase some film, break down some skill development and then of course apply what we learn on the court throughout the course of the week.”

The campers are having fun, with Skripsky saying the experience has been “awesome” so far.

“We’ve had awesome feedback with the families,” said Skripsky. “We actually had former Mad Ants legend Ron Howard, who was the all-time leading scorer for the Mad Ants organization – still holds the record. He was here yesterday, so he was able to speak with the kids. He signed some autographs. It’s great to be able to see how hard the Boom organization has worked to help organize this, and then now we just get to have all the fun on the court, make sure they’re getting better at basketball.”





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Youth Sports July 16, 2025

• SPIRIT LAKE PARKS AND RECREATION Flag football July 7 2nd/3rd Gd. Division Family Dental vs 7B Moving Scoring for SLFD were Ridge Power 1-TD and 1-PAT,  Scoring for 7B Moving was Grayson Herbert 1-TD 4th/6th Gd. Division Rabid Diesel Performance vs Helping Handyman; Scoring for RDP was Braxon Ban with 3-TD, Colton Ban with […]

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• SPIRIT LAKE PARKS AND RECREATION

Flag football

July 7

2nd/3rd Gd. Division

Family Dental vs 7B Moving

Scoring for SLFD were Ridge Power 1-TD and 1-PAT, 

Scoring for 7B Moving was Grayson Herbert 1-TD

4th/6th Gd. Division

Rabid Diesel Performance vs Helping Handyman;

Scoring for RDP was Braxon Ban with 3-TD, Colton Ban with 1-PAT, Evan Rinehart with 1-PAT

July 9

Green Mountain Land & Home VS Seright’s Ace Hardware; 

Scoring for SAH Camden Shafer 1-TD

July 14

2nd/3rd Gd. Division

7B Moving vs JBT Transportation 

Scoring for 7B Moving were Bentley Karst 1-TD, Grayson Herbert 1-TD and 1-PAT

For JBT Transportation scoring were Noah Fulton 1-TD, Matthias Klempel 1-TD. Bowen Kurtz 1-PAT

• RATHDRUM PARKS AND RECREATION

Flag football

July 14

K-1st Grade Flag Football 

CDA Paving vs. Champion Concrete 

CDA Paving: Aedan Russell (TD), Kayson Anderson (TD) 

Champion Concrete: Reggie Hamilton (TD), Quincy Luther-Lund (TD, PAT), Brighton Rondas (2TDs), Archer Herbert (PAT) 

Spirit Lake Parks & Recreation vs. Tamarack Family Services 

Spirit Lake Parks & Recreation: Jase Deline (PAT), Killian Solt (TD), Ridge Peterson (TD) 

Tamarack Family Services: Hudson Duke (PAT), Keegan Koehler (2TDs), Lucas Elizondo (2TDs, PAT) 

2nd-3rd Grade Flag Football 

Mihara Law vs. Young Construction 

Mihara Law: Kohen Schumacher (TD) 

Young Construction: Kamden Carter (TD) 

Spirit Lake Family Dental vs. Champion Concrete 

Spirit Lake Family Dental: Ryder Kluesner (TD), Easton Reyes (TD), Ridge Powers (TD) 

Champion Concrete: (0) 

4th-6th Grade Flag Football 

Rabid Diesel Performance vs. Surf Shack 

Rabid Diesel: Joshua Knick (TD), Waylon Finnicum (TD) 

Surf Shack: Christopher VanSlyke (TD), Colton Ban (PAT) 

Green Mountain Land & Homes vs. Helping Hand HandyMan 

Green Mountain: Preslee Ward (TD, PAT), Grant Miller (TD), Aspen Reyes (TD), Cash Fitting (PAT), Braxton Kurtz (2TDs) 

Helping Hand HandyMan: (0)   

Submit items for youth and non-varsity high school sports by noon Tuesday for publication Wednesday. Email stories and photos (in .jpg format) to sports@cdapress.com. 

Information: 208-664-8176, Ext. 1205 

    Courtesy photo Lakeland won the Idaho Junior Little League District 1 championship last week, beating Hayden 2-0 in a best-of-3 series at Cooper Field in Rathdrum. Lakeland won 9-4 and 13-1. With no other Junior all-star teams statewide, Lakeland will advance to the West Regional tournament as the representative for the state of Idaho, July 23-31 in Bend, Ore. In the front row from left are Front row; left to right: Lincoln Babb, Slader Tamagni, Reagan Keller, Hunter Cailteaux, Kegan Starkweather, Cameron Ryan and Blake Davis; and back row from left, coach Trent Tamagni, Jager McWatters, Brian Hensley, coach Josh Davis, Josiah Lukey, Samuel Emerson, Ryder Pacheco and manager Bill Starkweather.
 
 
    Courtesy photo The North Idaho Snipers won their high school boys bracket at The Battleground basketball tournament in Las Vegas on July 7-10. From left are Tyler Brooks (Mt. Spokane High), Nalu Vargas (Mt. Spokane), Ryland Braga (Coeur d’Alene), Evan Drew (Mead), Alex Dean (Post Falls), Elliot Ries (Post Falls), Isaiah Naylor (Post Falls) and coach Louie Vargas.
    Courtesy photo The Coeur d’Alene Crush 10U softball team capped off its 2025 season by placing fourth at the Idaho State Championships last weekend in Boise. This was the fifth and final tournament of the season for the Crush, who wrapped up the year with a 21-5 overall record, and either won or placed in all five tournaments they competed in. In the front row from left are Vinni Gongora, Isla Wearne, Quinn Burrill and Harper Andersen; second row from left, Kamryn Corbey, Lily Ratcliffe, Lyla Atteberry, Aliya Pennock, Brianna Wilson, Madi West and Davy Hicks; and back row from left, head coach Joe Corbey and coach Kara Hicks. Not pictured is Addy Johnson.
    Courtesy photo The Coeur d’Alene Crush 16U took fourth place at the Idaho state softball championships in Boise last weekend. From left are Macy Waterhouse, Rylan Morrison, Maddy Pratt, Jenna Davenport, Molly Nelson, Jaiden Corbey, Ada Blakemore, Paityn Froman, Madeline Peterson, Kyndal Bridge, Reese Vanek, Liv Watt and Sophia Piekarski.
 
 

  

  



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Samuel David Largen – Patriot Publishing LLC

Samuel David Largen, known by many names, but to most as “Sammy,” departed this life on July 6th, 2025.  Sammy was preceded in death by his parents, James and Melva, and his older brother J.W. (Walleye).  Left behind to cherish his memory are his son Jabe and wife Amber of Seven Lakes, NC.  His granddaughter […]

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Samuel David Largen

Samuel David Largen, known by many names, but to most as “Sammy,” departed this life on July 6th, 2025.  Sammy was preceded in death by his parents, James and Melva, and his older brother J.W. (Walleye).  Left behind to cherish his memory are his son Jabe and wife Amber of Seven Lakes, NC.  His granddaughter Ella Whitley and her husband James Earl Whitley of Dudley, NC, grandson Isaiah Largen and granddaughter Olivia Largen of Seven Lakes, all live on to cherish and celebrate the life of their beloved Paw-Paw.  Sammy also became a great-grandfather in life when Fisher Whitley entered the world earlier this year.

 

From the time he entered life on June 11, 1955 until the time he departed, Pulaski was Sammy’s home.  Sammy was well known throughout Pulaski for his many years of coaching youth sports, and his time of playing sports at PHS and later at Loving Field, the Armory, and various other gyms.  He was also known at Leisure Lanes where he once worked, and where he and Jabe would later bowl.

 

Sammy was a diehard Baltimore Orioles fan.  He would watch 162 games per year, and usually no more, since they seldom made the playoffs.  Sammy was once known for having one of the largest Cal Ripken Jr. memorabilia collections anywhere. He loved all Hokie athletics, and was a Duke men’s basketball fan, so long as they weren’t playing Tech.

 

In addition to loving his family and sports, above all, Sammy loved God.  He was a member of Jordan’s Chapel for almost his entire life.  For a number of years he served the church as a Sunday School teacher and Sunday School Superintendent.  In the latter years of his life, Sammy would worship virtually with his son in Pinehurst, NC.

 

A date was set for Sammy to leave his abode off of Alum Spring Rd. in less than a couple of weeks.  His whole heart and soul was always on the hill he called home.  When his breath gave out, it was at home; as he had hoped for and wanted.

 

The family would like to thank all of the good neighbors who have been so vital in these past several years, especially Johnny Pope.  A word of appreciation is also due to the PCSO and other first responders who have responded in recent weeks.

 

A visitation with the family will be held at Jordan’s Chapel Methodist Church beginning at Noon on July 15th.  A celebration of life service will follow at 1:00 pm.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be given to Jordan’s Chapel Methodist Church Scholarship Fund P.O. Box 1626, Pulaski, VA 2430, Faison Methodist Church Scholarship Fund P.O. Box 417, Faison, NC 28341, or Pinehurst UMC Youth Group, 4111 Airport Rd., Pinehurst, NC 28374.

 



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Five of the best sports documentaries of all time (and where to watch them)

Here is a collection of the most exciting, nail-biting, emotional documentaries you’ll ever see. Advertorial by Bestbettingsiteoffers The great thing about sports documentaries is that they can cover a huge, HUGE amount of events. Obviously, the stuff that immediately comes to mind are the huge sporting events from around the world, but if you think […]

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Five of the best sports documentaries of all time (and where to watch them)

Here is a collection of the most exciting, nail-biting, emotional documentaries you’ll ever see.

The great thing about sports documentaries is that they can cover a huge, HUGE amount of events. Obviously, the stuff that immediately comes to mind are the huge sporting events from around the world, but if you think smaller, think more niche, there is very likely a fantastic documentary dealing with that event too.

Fascinated by deep-sea diving? A must-watch for you is The Deepest Breath. A lover of e-sports? Then you have to check out The King Of Kong. Looking for something completely left field but still super competitive? Spellbound is the one for you, set in the world of spelling bees.

Sports fans tend to follow more than just the games—news, stats, even things like betting offers often come up in the mix. These documentaries tap into that same wide interest, showing how deep the love for competition can go.

See what we mean? There is quite literally something for everyone. Whittling down that list to five of the best is tough, but these picks are tremendous, and some of the best movies ever made, not just under the banner of sports documentaries.

So on with our five picks, and where to watch them* right now:

Free Solo – Disney+

From the description alone, you would be forgiven for thinking this isn’t going to be THAT interesting a watch, as the documentary profiles rock climber Alex Honnold on his quest to perform the first-ever free solo climb of a route on El Capitan, a vertical rock formation found in Yosemite National Park in California. So you’ll have to trust us when we tell you this is one of the most edge-of-your-seat movies you’ll ever see, and it proved to be so impressive that it went on to win the Best Documentary Oscar back in 2019.

Murderball – rent on Apple TV

This documentary focuses on the intense rivalry between the American and Canadian wheelchair rugby teams in the run-up to the 2004 Paralympic Games taking place in Athens, Greece. We get to know the players and their families, who all talk openly and frankly about their injuries, personal lives, and the love of the game that has them all vying for the gold. This movie was nominated for Best Documentary at the 2006 Oscars, but lost out to March of the Penguins.

Icarus – Netflix

Some of the best documentaries are those that begin filming with something specific in mind – in this case, director Bryan Fogel wanted to expose the inadequacy of the procedures to catch athletes using performance-enhancing substances – but become something else over the course of the movie being made – here, the World Anti-Doping Agency’s investigation of doping in Russia led to the head of the Moscow Anti-Doping Laboratory to flee his country and become a whistleblower. Icarus went on to win the 2018 Best Documentary Feature Oscar.

Senna – Netflix

Arguably one of the best and most impactful documentaries not to even be nominated for an Oscar, this film tells the story of much-loved Brazilian motor-racing champion Ayrton Senna. Directed by Asif Kapadia (who went on to win an Oscar in 2016 for his Amy Winehouse documentary), it tells us about Senna’s life, death, and intimate rivalry with fellow driver Alain Prost through archival race footage and home video recorded by Senna’s friends and family.

When We Were Kings – Sky/NOW

Another Best Documentary Picture winner, focusing on the night of The Rumble in the Jungle in 1974. Betting offers on underdog Muhammad Ali were 4-1 against the then-unbeaten, heavy-hitting George Forman. It took director Leon Gast over 22 years to edit and finance before it could be released in 2006, when it was met with immediate critical acclaim, and the movie is still considered to be one of the best sports documentaries ever made.

*Information correct for readers in the UK and Ireland at the time of writing

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