UK Deaf Sport calls for support in the journey to the Deaflympics 2013
On the 21st of July a squad of GB athletes will take the journey toSofia, Bulgaria for the 2013 Deaflympics. The challenge faced by these athletesis a reflection of the challenge they face every day as a deaf athlete in the UK.
The Deaflympics is the primary international event for deaf and hard of hearing elite athletes around the world. As with any elite athlete, being selected to represent your country at such an event is the pinnacle of their sporting achievements.
Preparing for this year’s Deaflympics has been a unique experience. The games were thrown in to doubt due to the economic crisis in Europe and, whilst UK Deaf Sport were very pleased to hear that they would be going ahead, everyone involved has had a much shorter time in which to prepare.
Consequently, each UK athlete has a unique and fascinating story to tell of their journey to the games and UK Deaf Sport is actively encouraging media support and would welcome interview opportunities and event coverage prior to or during the games themselves. About Deaflympics:
The Deaflympics was first held in Paris, 1924, making it the second oldest multi-sport and cultural festival in history- second only to the Olympic Games. It is remarkable, therefore, that the wider international community often overlooks this event.
International multisport competition always carries with it a sense of the grand and evokes a great sense of passion and pride amongst athletes and supporters alike- one need only look at the incredible success of London 2012, particularly the Paralympics.
The Paralympics' origins as rehabilitation program for injured soldiers in World War Two offers no capacity for deaf athletes to partake unless they enter under their 'other' disability. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognises the Deaflympics on a par with the Paralympics and UK Deaf Sport (UKDS) manages the GB Deaflympic team to ensure that competitors have the best support available during preparations and competitions.
UK Deaf Sport Funding:
One of the few unfortunate effects of the UK's successful bid to host the Olympic games was that the financial investment required to fulfill the obligation saw funding divested from margin sports, including UKDS.
Resultantly, the journey to Sofia and the dreams of the UK's deaf athletes has undergone added pressure,as they have had to rely on alternative financial support and fund raising.
UKDS endeavours to highlight the courageous efforts of the athletes as they prepare to represent the GB on the international stage. To shine a light on the heroics of the individuals as well as highlight the need for Great Britain to rally behind our sporting heroes once again and support Team GB in their quest for glory. You can help UK Deaf Sport to continue to support deaf athletes and team GB in their quest for glory. Text ‘UKDS 13 £10’ to 70070 to donate to UKDS and make a difference today.
Team GB Squad List (Athletes unless stated otherwise)
Badminton - Kirstie Allen - Yeovil Rajeev Bagga - Coventry Sarah Bowers (Official) - Hull Mike Burris - Coleford Dominic Caswell - Dunstable Andrea Hardwick (Official) - Leeds Kevin Harper (Official) - Hull Lesley Holdsworth - Hull Xander Hurley - Bromley
Cycling - Thomas Smith - Cardiff Ian Smith - Cardiff (Coach)
Karate - David Grant - Fife
Shooting - Lowe, Rob - New Malden
Swimming - Lucy Walkup - Glenrothes, Scotland Thomas Baxter - Esher Annabel Towns - Oliver Kenny - Luke Nisted - Liverpool Jack McComish - Lanark Emily Noden - Holywell, Wales Alexander Cranford – Worthing Danielle Joyce – Ayrs, Scotland Renee Stewart – Isle of Wight Angela Holmes (Coach) – Mansfield Andrew Roberts (Coach) – Denbigh, Wales
Tennis - Bethany Brookes – Reigate Cathy Fletcher – Burderop, Wiltshire Lewis Fletcher – Burderop, Wiltshire Jack Clifton – Purley Pete Wilcox – Tiverton Stuart Wilkinson (Coach) – New Denham
Football – Emma Brown – Faversham Damaris Cooke - London Donna Cross – Mirfield. West Yorkshire Rebecca East-O’Keefe – London Football continued: Danielle Evans – Liverpool Debbie Hibbet – Tamworth Louise Hogan April Malin – Northampton Susan McKeown – Herburb, Tyne & Wear Gemma Newson – Great Yarmouth Sarah Page – Newcastle Jessica Pert Lhathini Pushpalingham – London Gemma Sanders – Launceston Claire Stancliffe Mandy Tobin – London Carly Waters – Basildon Victoria Wenman – Walton On Thames Laura Wiseman – Norwich Michael Boyne (Official) Mark Gill (Official) Christopher Gwynn (Official) – Basingstoke Sharon Hirshman (Official) – Sheffield David Sims (Official) – Nantwich
