Category Archives: Deaf Sport

MPs Back Call for Deaflympics Funding Parity Following #FairPlayForDeafAthletes Campaign

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Following the success of British athletes at the Tokyo Deaflympics, MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Committee have formally recommended that the Government fund elite Deaf sport and recognise the Deaflympics on the same basis as the Olympics and Paralympics.

While this does not yet represent full Parliamentary backing, it is a significant step forward for UK Deaf Sport’s #FairPlayForDeafAthletes campaign.

At Two Big Ears, we welcome this intervention — and we are clear about what must come next.

Deaflympians excluded from public funding

In its letter to the Secretary of State, the Committee states:

“Elite deaf athletes in the UK are the only disabled elite sports group that has no access to public funding whatsoever.”

Despite competing at the highest international level, Deaflympians:

  • Receive no UK Sport funding
  • Have no lottery-backed performance pathway
  • Must self-fund training, coaching, travel, physio and kit

This exclusion is not accidental. It is a long-standing policy gap.

Deaflympics recognised as part of the Olympic family

The Committee also makes clear that Deaf sport is already part of the recognised elite system:

“The Deaflympics [are] part of the Olympic family and the only games in which there is a classification for deaf people.”

This directly challenges the idea that Deaflympians sit outside elite sport structures.

Tokyo Deaflympics: success despite the system

MPs highlighted the reality faced by Deaf athletes preparing for Tokyo:

“To take part, our deaf athletes have to continuously raise money for training fees, travel, physio and kit.”

“For Tokyo, the 65 UK athletes who took part had to raise £250,000 between them, just to enable them to represent this country.”

All of this happened while athletes were training for elite competition and working or studying full time.

The conclusion was clear: Deaf athletes succeed in spite of the system, not because of it.

The funding ask — and why it is modest

UK Deaf Sport estimates that:

“£3 million [is needed] to prepare a team through the next full cycle, ready for the 2029 Deaflympics.”

The Committee noted:

“That is less than 1% of what UK Sport has awarded for the Olympics and Paralympics in one Olympic cycle.”

This is not an excessive demand. It is a proportionate request for equality.

Committee recommendation, not yet a Parliamentary vote

The Committee is explicit about what it is asking Government to do:

“Commit, via UK Sport, to £3 million of funding now for elite deaf sport in the current Deaflympics cycle.”

“Permanently recognise the Deaflympics in the same way you do for the Paralympic and Olympic Games for funding purposes.”

This is a formal recommendation. It now requires:

  • Government acceptance
  • A funding decision
  • Political will to act

Two Big Ears: fair play must mean fair funding

As the Committee concludes:

“The Deaflympians who represented our country on the global stage… deserve an equal opportunity.”

The #FairPlayForDeafAthletes campaign has now been reinforced by Parliamentary scrutiny.

The evidence has been heard.
The recommendation has been made.

Now the Government must decide whether it will act.

“What Happens Next?” – Simple Explainer

Where we are now

  • The Culture, Media and Sport Committee has reviewed evidence
  • It has written formally to the Secretary of State
  • It has recommended £3 million in funding and permanent recognition of the Deaflympics

What this does NOT mean

  • This is not yet a vote of Parliament
  • Funding is not yet agreed
  • Policy has not yet changed

What must happen next

  1. The Government responds to the Committee
  2. Ministers decide whether to accept the recommendation
  3. UK Sport is instructed (or not) to release funding
  4. Longer-term recognition is agreed or rejected

Why this matters
Committee recommendations carry political weight.
Ignoring them requires justification.

This is the strongest position Deaf sport has held in UK policy discussions to date.

Read the full article on the UK Parliament website

Deaflympics 2025 Media Watch (19 November 2025, 09:00 JST)

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The headlines this morning are impressive—if you could find them.


Japan’s own Maki Yamada sprinted to gold in the men’s 400 m, delivering the host-nation’s first win at the 2025 Games. Nippon+1

Taiwan picked up two silvers, one from hurdler Hsu Le and another from shooters Hsu Ming‑jui & Kao Ya‑ju. Focus Taiwan – CNA English News

Ukraine’s tally also soared with nine golds so far. Межа. Новини України.


Yet despite the wins, the global sports pages remain strangely quiet. The athletes are in motion. The record boards are ticking. The cameras? Still mostly pointing elsewhere.


If the Deaflympic movement has one job, it was to show the world they matter. Right now, they’re doing the work. The question: will the world show up?

Bravo to the organising Committee for livestreaming, here’s the highlights for 19th November

Thank you to the UK LumoTV for daily bulletins on the GB athletes. We wonder if other nations are able to provide the same?

The Legend Returns

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Terence Parkin Comes Out of Retirement to Return to the Deaflympics Pool

In one of the most exciting announcements of this year’s Deaf sporting calendar, legendary South African swimmer Terence Parkin has officially come out of retirement — and he’s heading back to the Games.

Photo from South African Deaf Sports federation facebook

For many in the Deaf community, Parkin is more than an athlete. He’s a symbol of excellence, resilience, and the power of Deaf representation on the world stage. With over 400 international medals, including his iconic silver at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, and countless Deaflympics records, Parkin has long been regarded as one of the greatest Deaf athletes of all time.

Now, after stepping away from competitive swimming, he’s returning to the international arena once again — and the excitement is already building.

A Champion’s Legacy

Parkin has dominated Deaflympics history:

  • Multiple-time Deaflympics gold medallist
  • Holder of long-standing Deaflympics records
  • A role model for generations of young Deaf swimmers

His comeback sends a powerful message: Deaf excellence doesn’t fade — it evolves.

Why This Matters

Parkin’s return is not just about competition. It’s about visibility. It’s about continuing to push boundaries for what Deaf athletes can achieve — and inspiring a new wave of swimmers who look up to him as proof of what is possible.

In an era where #FairPlayForDeafAthletes is gaining momentum around the world, having one of the most decorated Deaf athletes step back onto the stage adds incredible energy to the movement.

Looking Ahead to the Games

Whether he’s chasing new times or simply soaking up the atmosphere of international competition once more, Parkin’s presence will elevate the Games — for athletes, supporters, and the global Deaf community alike.

His return is a reminder of one thing:

Legends don’t retire. They rise.

A Clean Sweep for Ukraine on Day 1 of 25th Summer Deaflympics

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Tokyo 2025 – Ukraine Dominate Both Men’s and Women’s Sprint Orienteering

What an explosive start to the Deaflympics in Tokyo — not just in the men’s race, but across the women’s field too. Orienteering opened the Games with back-to-back masterclasses from Team Ukraine, who didn’t just impress… they owned the podiums.

Ukraine stormed the first event of the Games with a perfect 1–2–3 finish.

  • Gold: Nazar Levytskyi – 12:57
  • Silver: Dmytro Levin – 13:54
  • Bronze: Volodymyr Fedoseienko – 14:00

It was a commanding performance, setting the tone for Ukraine’s campaign.

Then the women stepped up — and delivered something just as breathtaking.

Ukraine didn’t just win. They swept the entire podium again.

  • Gold: Anna Vanasaun – 11:57
  • Silver: Hanna Fedosieieva – 12:16
  • Bronze: Hanna Androsovych – 12:40

All three were sharp, fast, and utterly fearless on the Tokyo course. Finland’s Sara-Elise Ruokonen and Lithuania’s Adrija Atgalaine chased hard, but Ukraine’s trio were simply untouchable.

Two events.
Two podium sweeps.
Six medals — all Ukrainian.

If today is any indication, Ukraine’s orienteering squad is here not just to compete, but to set the pace for the entire Deaflympics.

Tokyo 2025 has only just begun, and already the storylines are electric. More results, more drama, and more phenomenal athletic performances are on the way.

Understanding Audism in Deaf Sport

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The unseen barrier that perpetuates the discrimination of deaf people in sport.

Audism is the belief that hearing and speaking are superior to being deaf and using sign language. It leads to discrimination and systemic barriers that marginalize deaf people in education, employment, and sport. The term was coined by Tom Humphries (1977) and has since been explored in Deaf Studies and Disability Studies.

In sport, audism manifests in coaching structures, team dynamics, funding, communication, and access to opportunities. Many sporting organizations fail to recognize Deaf sport as distinct from disability sport or do not provide adequate accommodations, which limits deaf athletes’ participation and success.

Prof Tom Humphries first coined the phrase Audism in the 1970s

Key Aspects of Audism in Deaf Sport:

Linguistic Discrimination – Favouring spoken language over sign language

  • For many coaches and team staff verbal communication is the default, leaving deaf athletes struggling to follow instructions in training and competition. The also take the path of least resistance and engage more with non-signers.
  • Most organisations in the sports economy fail to provide sign language interpreters, assuming that lip-reading or written communication is enough—despite evidence that lip-reading is only about 30-40% effective.
  • Deaf sports teams and events often receive less media coverage because they do not fit traditional (spoken language-based) broadcasting formats.

Medical Model Bias – Viewing deafness as a “deficiency” that needs fixing

  • Sports federations inadvertently, out of ignorance, prioritize hearing aids or cochlear implants over sign language and accessible communication strategies, pushing deaf athletes toward a “hearing” approach to sport.
  • Deaf athletes who do not use hearing technology are overlooked or excluded because coaches and administrators see them as “too difficult to work with.”
  • In classification systems for disability sports, such as the European Disability Golf Association, deaf athletes are disallowed from competing in their elite class compete because deafness alone does not qualify them for Paralympic categories, reinforcing the idea that the lived-experience of deaf athletes and the Deaflympic classification is less valid.

Institutional Barriers – Lack of access to coaching, funding, and competition pathways

  • Many national governing bodies do not fund elite Deaf sport at the same level as other disability sports, making it harder for deaf athletes to access high-performance training.
  • Deaf athletes often face fewer opportunities to compete internationally because Deaf-specific events (like the Deaflympics) receive far less support compared to the Paralympics or mainstream sport.
  • In some cases, deaf players in mainstream teams are expected to “adapt” rather than teams making accommodations for them. For example, if a referee relies only on a whistle, a deaf athlete misses key signals during a match.

Cultural Erasure – Disregarding Deaf sport as a distinct culture

  • Deaf sport has its own history, traditions, and rules, yet many sports organizations treat Deaf sport as an afterthought, assuming deaf athletes should just integrate into mainstream teams.
  • Sporting federations sometimes fail to recognize Deaf sport records and achievements, treating them as secondary to hearing competitions.
  • Deaf athletes feel pressured to conform to hearing norms rather than being encouraged to celebrate Deaf identity in sport.
  • Sports federations (Cricket Australia) initially adopting deaf sports teams but over time failing to recognise the strategic significance of their Deaf sport partners (Deaf Cricket Australia) and capitalising on Deaf Gain.

Everyday Prejudice – Patronizing attitudes and lack of inclusion in team culture

  • Deaf athletes in mixed (hearing and deaf) teams often experience exclusion—for example, being left out of informal team chats or not being fully involved in pre-game strategy discussions.
  • Hearing coaches and teammates sometimes assume deaf athletes need “extra help”, even when they are fully capable of competing at the same level.
  • There have been reports of derogatory remarks made against deaf players in mixed disability teams, reinforcing the idea that they are not fully accepted.
Illustration from “What is Audism and How to Avoid It”

Audism in sport is not just about access—it’s about respect, equity, and recognition. True inclusion means more than adding an interpreter or letting a deaf player join a hearing team—it requires systemic changes in funding, training, and competition structures. Recognizing Deaf sport as a distinct and equal sporting category is crucial for breaking down audism and allowing deaf athletes to compete and thrive on their own terms.

To read more on the politics and challenges for Deaf sport “Same Spirit Different Team”

Breaking Barriers or Building Them? The Case for Deaf Women’s Cricket

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A report by UK Deaf Sport and Women in Sport sheds light on the significant challenges faced by deaf teenage girls in sport. It identifies key barriers such as communication difficulties, lack of inclusive environments, and gender bias that discourage participation. These findings are not unique to the UK—globally, deaf women and girls face systemic obstacles when trying to engage in sport at all levels.

A striking example of this is Cricket Australia’s decision not to support Deaf Cricket Australia women’s team. This choice sends a disappointing message about the priorities within the sport and the level of commitment to true inclusivity. Deaf women and girls in Australia, much like their counterparts in the UK, are being told—explicitly or implicitly—that their participation is not a priority.

Melissa Hale, Deaf Cricket Australia Read Bianna Boeker’s interview

The Parallels Between UK and Australian Deaf Women’s Sport

The UK Deaf Sport report highlights the importance of role models, accessible pathways, and a welcoming environment in fostering participation. When governing bodies fail to invest in women’s deaf sport, they reinforce the very barriers that studies like this seek to dismantle. If deaf teenage girls already struggle with access to inclusive environments, how much harder is it when there are no representative teams at a national level?

The impact of this decision extends beyond the cricket field. Sport is a crucial vehicle for confidence, leadership skills, and social connection. By refusing to support the women’s deaf cricket team, Cricket Australia is limiting opportunities for female athletes who already face greater hurdles to participation.

What Needs to Change?

Cricket Australia must reconsider its position and actively support Deaf Cricket by building a women’s programme. This includes:

  • Providing financial and logistical support to help develop a pathway for deaf female cricketers, just as hearing players have access to structured pathways.
  • Investing in inclusive coaching by ensuring that coaches are trained to work with deaf athletes, rather than relying solely on interpreters.
  • Promoting deaf female role models to inspire the next generation of cricketers.
  • Aligning with broader inclusion efforts seen in other sports that are actively working to break down barriers for women with disabilities.

The Bigger Picture

This is not just about cricket—it’s about ensuring that all athletes, regardless of gender or disability, have access to equal opportunities. The decision by Cricket Australia contradicts the growing global movement towards greater inclusivity in sport. Organisations such as UK Deaf Sport are making strides in addressing these issues, but without the backing of national governing bodies, progress will be slow.

The question is: does Cricket Australia want to be remembered as an organisation that fosters inclusion or one that reinforces exclusion? The choice is theirs, but the consequences will be felt most by those who need support the most.

It’s time for change. Support your national deaf sports!

For a more in-depth dive into the politics and challenges of deaf people in sport “Same Spirit Different Team”

Why the Deaflympics Deserves Full Funding: A Call for Equality in Sports

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Despite a century of excellence, Deaflympic athletes are still forced to self-fund their participation. It’s time for change.

The Deaflympics Deserve Full Funding and Recognition

The Deaflympics is a world-class sporting event, yet its athletes are forced to self-fund their journey to compete at the highest level. Chris Ratcliffe, CEO of UK Deaf Sport, has highlighted this critical issue in his interview with Matt Taylor for BBC News in the article titled ‘We have to fund the Deaflympics ourselves’, and it is time for the sporting community, corporate sponsors, and government bodies to step up and provide the necessary support. Ratcliffe has been working tirelessly to raise awareness of this issue, and last month, BBC’s Matt Taylor caught up with him to discuss the urgent need for funding and recognition.

Chris Ratcliffe, CEO, UK Deaf Sport “We have to fund the Deaflympics Ourselves”

Photo Credit: © Mark Lomas 2011.

A Century of Excellence, Yet Still Overlooked

As Matt Taylor reported in his BBC News article, for 100 years, the Deaflympics has provided elite deaf athletes with a platform to compete on a level playing field. Established in 1924, it was the first international sporting event for athletes with disabilities, predating the Paralympics by nearly four decades. Despite this rich history, it remains one of the least recognized global sporting competitions. While Olympic and Paralympic athletes receive direct financial support, their Deaflympic counterparts must raise an estimated £4,000 each to represent Great Britain at the upcoming Tokyo games.

This financial burden places deaf athletes at a significant disadvantage. Many are in full-time education or employment while training at an elite level. The additional stress of securing funding detracts from their preparation and undermines their potential to compete at their best.

The Government’s Role in Funding Equity

The UK government, through Sport England, has provided £1.27 million in funding for UK Deaf Sport until 2027. While this is an important step in supporting grassroots initiatives, it does not directly address the financial struggles of athletes preparing for the Deaflympics. As highlighted in Taylor’s article, the exclusion of Deaflympic athletes from UK Sport funding—reserved for Olympic and Paralympic competitors—suggests a misunderstanding of the event’s elite status and its importance to the deaf community.

The time has come for UK Sport and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to recognize the Deaflympics as an elite-level competition worthy of direct funding. Elite deaf athletes deserve the same financial backing as their Olympic and Paralympic counterparts. This is not just about funding; it is about equality, representation, and the value we place on all athletes, regardless of how they communicate.

Breaking Barriers and Inspiring the Next Generation

Beyond competition, the Deaflympics serves as a vital tool in breaking down barriers for young deaf athletes. As Ratcliffe noted in Taylor’s piece, studies show that deaf children are twice as likely to be inactive compared to their hearing peers. The lack of visibility and investment in deaf sports contributes to this disparity. If we want to create a truly inclusive sporting culture, funding the Deaflympics must be a priority.

UK Deaf Sport’s Destination Deaflympics campaign is a promising initiative to increase awareness, but awareness alone is not enough. If we want young deaf athletes to see the Deaflympics as a viable goal, we must remove financial obstacles. One way to do this is through corporate sponsorships, media partnerships, and a dedicated government-backed funding stream that ensures no athlete is forced to fund their own participation in an event of this magnitude.

UK Deaf Sports Youth engagement programme

A Call to Action

The Deaflympics embodies the very essence of sport: perseverance, excellence, and inclusivity. Yet, as Taylor’s article makes clear, its athletes continue to be sidelined in the funding conversation. It is time for change.

  • Government bodies must formally recognize the Deaflympics as an elite event and provide direct financial support.
  • Corporate sponsors should step up and back our elite deaf athletes, just as they do for Olympians and Paralympians.
  • The media must give the Deaflympics the attention it deserves, ensuring wider public awareness and engagement.
Support DeaflympicsGB

The Deaflympics should not be an event where only those who can afford it get to compete. Every athlete representing Great Britain on the world stage should do so knowing that their country stands behind them—financially, institutionally, and culturally.

It’s time to fund the Deaflympics properly. Anything less is a failure of our commitment to true sporting equality.

For more details on the politics and history of the Deaflympics read “Same Spirit Different Team”

Deaf Cricket Australia Closes: Implications for Future Generations

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A Heart-breaking Decision That Shakes the Deaf Sporting Community.

On January 31st, 2025, members of Deaf Cricket Australia (DCA) gathered at Melbourne Deaf Cricket Club. Others joined online for the historic but deeply emotional meeting. The organization announced its closure. What should have been a celebration of 130 years of Deaf cricket in Australia turned into a painful farewell.

Two Big Ears could look in and ask questions during the live-streamed session. We thank Expression Australia for setting up the technical arrangements.

The decision was not made lightly. DCA representatives Melissa Hale, Justin Bergin, and James Hale stood before a devastated audience. They explained the irreversible breakdown in negotiations with Cricket Australia (CA). The raw emotion in the room was unmistakable. As they spoke, their heartbreak was visible to everyone. They fought to hold their composure. It was clear how much this loss meant to them.

Cricket Australia’s Grip on Deaf Cricket

In recent years, Deaf Cricket Australia had to adapt to the structures set by Cricket Australia. Cricket Australia controls the National Cricket Inclusion Championships (NCIC) and the Australian Deaf Cricket Team.

The problem? Cricket Australia had full control.

Under its agreements, DCA:

  • Lost its autonomy to run independent competitions or seek its own sponsorship.
  • Was denied the right to form an Australian Deaf Women’s Cricket Team. This happened despite other countries like India and Sri Lanka already having theirs.
  • Had no say in decisions affecting Deaf cricket at a national level.

Melissa Hale made it clear:

“We knew from 130 years of history how Deaf cricket works. Cricket Australia just did not agree.”

With most hard-of-hearing players growing up in the hearing world, DCA’s biggest fear was the loss of Deaf leadership. They worried that the future of the sport would become just another hearing-dominated system. This change will strip it of the cultural and community values that made it unique.

Melissa Hale, DCA, speaking at the meeting.

A Decision Five Years in the Making

For over five years, Deaf Cricket Australia pushed for greater Deaf leadership. They also advocated for Deaf mentors and a structure that protected Deaf culture within the sport.

But the barriers were impossible to break. Cricket Australia repeatedly denied requests for a Deaf Women’s team. They offered no explanation. The organization also blocked attempts to secure independent sponsorship due to corporate agreements.

Audience member, Tamara Trina spoke for women in the Deaf community. She felt that Cricket Australia’s attitude towards deaf women is Audist and quite discriminatory. This attitude extends to deaf people.

Faced with no alternative, DCA made the painful decision to cease operations and seal its history. The name, logo, and trophies—including the prestigious Webby Cup and Abraham Shield—will now be preserved as historical artifacts.

A Tearful Goodbye: Holding Composure in the Face of Heartbreak

The most gut-wrenching moment of the night came when Melissa Hale, Justin Bergin, and James Hale gave their final remarks.

Each one fought back tears as they addressed the audience. Their voices wavered, and their hands trembled as they signed, trying not to break down. The weight of their words was heavy, and everyone in the room felt their pain.

Justin Bergin has been part of Deaf Cricket Australia since 1994. He shared how difficult it was to explain this decision. He found it challenging to communicate it to DCA life members like John Webb OAM, Kevin Smith, and Tony Clews.

“It’s been part of my life for 30 years. This was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.”

James Hale alluded to the internal battles and sleepless nights that went into this decision. He recalled a painful meeting with state representatives in March 2024. During that meeting, it became clear that DCA can no longer continue.

Melissa Hale, visibly struggling to keep her emotions in check, admitted:

“.. the three of don’t really want to be here tonight. We do know that the three of us are going to break your hearts.”

As they spoke, the room was silent. Many in the audience had tears in their eyes. The heartbreak was not just theirs—it belonged to the entire Deaf cricketing community.

What Happens Now?

With DCA gone, the NCIC will continue under Cricket Australia’s control, but with no Deaf leadership. This raises urgent concerns:

  • Without Deaf mentors, how will new Deaf players be welcomed into the sport?
  • Will Deaf culture and identity be respected in a hearing-dominated system?
  • Can Deaf Sports Australia (DSA) step in and make sure that Deaf cricket doesn’t disappear entirely?

Phil Harper from Deaf Sports Australia acknowledged these challenges. He admitted that DSA oversees 16 different sports. It does not have the resources to take over grassroots Deaf cricket development.

A Loss Felt Across Generations

The closure of Deaf Cricket Australia is more than just a sporting decision. It is a cultural loss for the Deaf community.

For 130 years, Deaf cricket has not just been a game. It is a place of belonging. It was a space where Deaf people connect through their language, identity, and shared experiences.

Now, that space is gone.

A Call to Action

The future of Deaf cricket now lies in the hands of the players and the community. Cricket Australia will continue running its teams. Yet, the question remains: Will Deaf players be capable of finding playing opportunities in this new system? Or will Cricket Australia’s decision be the beginning of the end for Australia’s biggest deaf sport?

If the community wants change, now is the time to step ahead. They should contact Deaf Sports Australia. It’s important to push for a system that respects Deaf identity and leadership.

For now, Deaf Cricket Australia is gone. But the spirit of its players, past and current, will never be forgotten.

#DeafCricketAustralia #EndOfAnEra #CricketForTheDeaf #DeafSports #CricketAustralia #InclusiveSport #DeafCommunity #130YearsOfHistory.

Challenges Facing DeaflympicsGB Sports Ahead of 2025 Deaflympics

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As Great Britain and other nations prepare for the 2025 Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo in 306 days time, several challenges emerge, particularly when compared to nations that provide robust governmental recognition and funding for their deaf athletes.

Funding Disparities

In the UK, elite deaf athletes often receive less financial support than their counterparts in the Olympics and Paralympics. This lack of elite funding hinders their access to top-tier training facilities, coaching, and competition opportunities, potentially affecting performance levels. In contrast, countries with substantial government backing can offer their athletes comprehensive support, leading to a more conducive environment for success. Chris Ratcliffe, CEO of UK Deaf Sport explains to the BBC why “We have to fund the Deaflympics Ourselves”

Recognition and Awareness

The Deaflympics historically receive less media coverage and public attention in Great Britain compared to the Olympics and Paralympics. This limited visibility results in fewer sponsorship opportunities and a lack of public support, which are crucial for athlete development and morale. Nations that actively promote deaf sports and celebrate their athletes’ achievements tend to foster a more inclusive sporting culture.

Access to Training Facilities

Deaf athletes in the UK face challenges in accessing training facilities equipped to meet their specific needs. This includes the availability of sign language interpreters and coaches trained to work with deaf athletes. Without adequate facilities and support, athletes may struggle to reach their full potential. In contrast, countries with dedicated resources for deaf athletes can provide tailored training environments that enhance performance. It has been argued that there is coaching talent and experience within the Deaf sports community, that would provide the coaching and technical support required which then reduces the need for expensive interpreting and the deployment of coaches who may be highly qualified but lack the communication skills and cultural essence needed to lead in elite sport.

International Competition Experience

Limited funding and support can restrict opportunities for British deaf athletes to compete internationally, which is vital for gaining experience and improving performance. Regular exposure to international competitions allows athletes to benchmark against top competitors and adapt to different competitive environments. Countries that invest in sending their athletes to international events provide them with invaluable experience that can be advantageous during the Deaflympics.

Advocacy and Policy Support

The level of advocacy and policy support for deaf athletes varies between countries. In the UK, the #FairPlayforDeafAthletes campaign is advocating stronger policies form the Department of Culture, media and Sport that will ensure equal opportunities and support for deaf athletes. The UK may argue that the current economic climate makes it very difficult to provide such funding but this will not stand up against the commitments made by countries such as Ukraine whose resources are also engaged in the heroic defence of their territory in war with Russia.

Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from sports governing bodies, policymakers, and the community to ensure that British deaf athletes are adequately supported and prepared to compete on an equal footing with their international counterparts at the 2025 Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo.

Show your support for DeaflympicsGB

Make a donation to support Great Britain’s athletes as they prepare for Tokyo! https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/deaflympicsgb

Ukraine Strengthens Support for Deaflympians

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The Ukraine Ministry of Youth and Sport continues to recognise Deaf athletes alongside their Olympic and Paralympic peers.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to inclusivity in sports by officially recognizing Deaflympians as equals to their Olympic and Paralympic peers. This significant milestone was solidified through Order No. 7742, signed on December 23, 2024, which introduces updated criteria for identifying key enterprises and organizations crucial to the national economy within the field of sports during special periods.

A Milestone in Sports Equality

Under the new directive, the Ministry has explicitly included the development and support of the Deaflympic movement alongside Olympic and Paralympic initiatives. This move ensures that Deaf athletes receive the same level of backing in training, competition, and resource allocation, reinforcing Ukraine’s position as a leader in sports inclusivity.

Key aspects of the approved criteria include:

  • Supporting the development of physical culture and both Olympic and non-Olympic sports in Ukraine.
  • Guaranteeing the execution of events listed in the Unified Calendar of Physical Culture, Sports Events, and Competitions.
  • Providing comprehensive training for national team athletes in sports officially recognized in Ukraine.
  • Implementing anti-doping measures across all sports activities.
  • Organizing and facilitating nationwide physical culture and sports rehabilitation programs for individuals with disabilities, military personnel, and ensuring the operational efficiency of Paralympic and Deaflympic training bases.
Logo of Ukraine Deaf Sport

Advancing Inclusivity in Sports

This landmark decision demonstrates Ukraine’s dedication to fostering an environment where Deaf athletes have equitable opportunities to excel and represent their nation on the world stage. By embedding Deaflympic support into national sports policies, the Ministry is not only investing in athletic excellence but also championing the rights and recognition of athletes with hearing impairments.

As global conversations around inclusivity in sports continue to evolve, Ukraine’s progressive stance serves as a model for other nations striving to create truly inclusive sports environments. This announcement marks a proud moment for the Ukrainian sports community and a promising future for Deaf athletes nationwide.

We celebrate this vital step towards equal recognition and look forward to witnessing Ukraine’s Deaflympians continue to thrive and inspire.

Original Source: https://unn.ua/news/the-ministry-of-youth-and-sports-has-approved-new-criteria-for-the-criticality-of-enterprises-in-the-field-of-sports