Category Archives: UK 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

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”

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

Documentary Film Preview: “Watch Us Roar”

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A new documentary from BSLBT gives a riveting insight into the GB Women’s Deaf Futsal Team’s 2024 Winter Deaflympics journey

Sign Language version of the article

On July 16th, sports enthusiasts and documentary lovers alike will be treated to a compelling new film, “Watch Us Roar.” This 30-minute, BSLBT- commissioned documentary, produced by Flashing Lights and set to broadcast on BSL Zone, delves deep into the world of the Great Britain Women’s Deaf Futsal team as they navigate the intensity and drama of the Winter Deaflympics in Erzurum, Türkiye, held in March this year. With a storyline that intricately weaves through personal and collective challenges, “Watch Us Roar” promises to be an eye-opener on multiple fronts. Indeed, this documentary comes with a trigger warning at the beginning.

The documentary sheds light on the daunting decisions and mounting tensions the team faces, particularly against the backdrop of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) decision to withhold funding for Deaflympic sports. This year, marking the 100th anniversary of the Deaflympic Games, is particularly significant as it was the first time Futsal was included in the competition. The lack of financial support forces both the team management to take calculated risks, and the footballers to divert their focus from crucial preparations to fundraising efforts. This narrative thread underscores the stark realities and emotional toll of competing at such high stakes without adequate support.

One of the central figures in “Watch Us Roar” is Marios Costi, the team’s head coach. The film offers an intimate look at his tactical skills and the emotional depth of his coaching style, which many viewers might find unexpectedly intense by contemporary standards. Costi’s vulnerability and passion are laid bare, presenting a multifaceted view of a coach under pressure. His approach culminates in a dramatic and candid team meeting, where players are invited to express their honest thoughts and feelings, leading to explosive tensions and significant fallouts.

On top of the gripping narrative surrounding the team as a whole, “Watch Us Roar” also delves into the personal journeys of three key players, adding a deeply private dimension to the documentary. By following these athletes closely, the film provides intimate insights into their individual struggles, triumphs, and motivations. This personal focus encourages viewers to connect on a more emotional level with the team, fostering a sense of empathy and support. Through their stories, the audience is invited to not only witness the collective challenges of the team but also to champion the personal adventures of these remarkable women as they strive to achieve their dreams on the world stage.

“Watch Us Roar” does more than just document a sports team’s journey; it provides an unfiltered look into the dynamics of teamwork, the strains of underfunding, and the raw emotions that fuel athletic competition. Deaflympians represent Great Britain at the Winter and Summer Deaflympics under the banner of DeaflympicsGB, authorized by UK Deaf Sport. The documentary is essential viewing for anyone who enjoys sports and is curious about the often-unseen drama of team meetings and behind-the-scenes preparations during major competitions.

Mark your calendars for July 16th – “Watch Us Roar” is a must-watch that will leave you with a profound appreciation for the resilience and spirit of the Great Britain Women’s Deaf Futsal team.

Follow the BSL Zone and get ready for the documentary on 16th July 2024.

Fair Play for Deaflympic Athletes: Post-election Alliance Building and Advocacy

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“Amidst election preparations, the #FairPlayforDeafAthletes campaign highlights the need for equitable funding, showing significant backing from the British Sign Language community.”

Over the past 6 months there has been an online petition to change the UK government policy to fund Deaflympic athletes that garnered 8,333 signatures, which fell short of the 10,000 needed for a government response and the 100,000 required for a parliamentary debate. This petition closed on the 20th May deadline this week.

Let’s consider the merits of this petition using percentages to better illustrate the support within the context of the UK population and the British Sign Language (BSL) community:

UK Deaf Sport’s delegation to the Sports Minister 13th May 2024

 Proportional Representation and Advocacy

1. Population Context:

   – The UK has a population of approximately 60 million people. Within this population, around 175,000 individuals are sign language users ranging from those who use it as their first language and others who have required it by learning the language and being exposed to and involved in Deaf community activities such as Deaf sport. This group includes deaf, hard of hearing and hearing individuals.

   – The 8,333 signatures represent about 0.014% of the total UK population. This may seem like a small percentage, but it’s more significant when viewed within the context of the BSL community.

   – Within the BSL community, 8,333 signatures equate to roughly 4.8%. This demonstrates a strong level of support and engagement from the BSL community itself.

2. Awareness and Mobilization:

   – The campaign successfully mobilized nearly 5% of the BSL community, indicating a high level of concern and commitment to the issue within this group.

   – However, to reach the thresholds set for government responses or parliamentary debates, the campaign needs to extend its reach beyond the immediate community to garner broader public support.

3. Legitimacy of the Petition:

   – Despite not meeting the required thresholds, the petition shows substantial support from a dedicated community, highlighting the legitimacy and urgency of the issue.

– The 10,000 and 100,000 thresholds are 0.0167% and 0.167% respectively of the UK population

– The 8,333 signatures are 4.8% of the UK’s BSL community.

   – This level of support within a specific community suggests the issue deserves attention and should not be dismissed due to the overall percentage being small in the context of the entire UK population.

Map from the petition website showing signatures represented EVERY constituency of the UK except one. The darker shading showing signatures with higher % of each area.

 Implications of the Government Shutdown for the General Election due on 4th July 2024

1. Impact on Current Advocacy:

   – With the government shutdown for the General Election campaign, parliamentary activities will be paused, delaying any immediate action on the petition.

   – This period can be challenging for advocacy efforts as the focus shifts to election campaigns.

2. Strategic Opportunities:

   – The election period presents an opportunity to engage with MPs and candidates, pressing them to include support for Deaflympic funding in their election platforms.

   – This can be a strategic moment to bring the issue to the forefront and secure commitments from candidates.

 Options and Next Steps for #FairPlayforDeafAthletes

1. Lobbying and Advocacy:

   – Engage with political candidates and parties to secure pledges of support for Deaflympic funding.

   – Organize meetings, write letters, and use social media to highlight the importance of this cause during the election period. https://ukdeafsport.org.uk/fairplayfordeafathletes/

2. Public Awareness Campaign:

   – Increase the visibility of the campaign through media outreach, collaborations with other advocacy groups, and public demonstrations.

   – Share personal stories of Deaflympic athletes and the impacts of funding shortages to garner public sympathy and support.

3. Future Petitions and Partnerships:

   – Consider launching another petition after the election, with strategies to surpass the required thresholds.

   – Partner with broader disability and sports organizations to expand the support base and increase reach for future petitions.

4. Direct Engagement with Elected Officials:

   – After the election, engage directly with newly elected MPs to advocate for policy changes and secure their commitment to supporting Deaflympic athletes.

   – Identify supportive MPs who can champion the cause within Parliament and help drive policy changes.

Signing Off

While the petition did not meet the required signatures, it demonstrated strong support within the BSL community, representing nearly 5% of this group.

The upcoming election provides a critical opportunity to push the #FairPlayforDeafAthletes agenda by engaging with candidates and raising public awareness.

By leveraging this period strategically and building broader alliances, the campaign can continue to advocate for equitable funding for Deaflympic athletes.

ICSD Accused of Double Standards with Anti-Doping Regulations

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Observers at the World Deaf Short Course Swimming Championships are wondering why the event organisers have not arranged anti-doping testing for the swimmers whilst also declaring the IDBF of non-compliance.

Photo by Christof Niklaus

Christof Niklaus, former ICSD Technical Director for Football has been observing events at the 1st World Deaf Short Course Swimming Championships taking place in Poland this week and he has reported his concerns to WADA (World Anti Doping Agency) because there have been no doping tests.

Christof Niklaus, GB swimming official at WDSCSC 2021 (photo by Christof Niklaus)

Christof is at the event as GB’s technical officer supporting swimmer Nathan Young. His complaint comes as the ICSD has released a statement this week declaring DIBF (Deaf International Basketball Federation) non-compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code. This means that players and officials of the DIBF are not allowed to hold office or take part in competitions (regional and international) until they make arrangement to meet WADA requirements.

What is worrying Christof is that the Russian swimmers are ‘dominating in all events with no testing to provide confidence in their performances’

The question is how ICSD can remain compliant to the WADA code if it is allowing a sanctioned event to take place without doping testing. ICSD’s lack of control and compliance is due to its lack of support to Deaf sport federations with ‘historical under-resourcing and under-education.’

A WADA representative has quickly responded to Christof by email ‘we are fully committed to supporting DIBF, and ICSD, in making sure that the protection of clean deaf athletes is safeguarded, and strengthen if needed, at all times.’

Christof is picking up ‘word here in Poland of collusion between ICSD and Russia, to avoid having the Russian team be the subject of anti-doping tests.’ He has asked WADA to pass this information on to its own Intelligence & Investigations team. There remains a serious conflict of interest as the ICSD Executive Officer Dmitry Rebrov also remains Secretary General of the All-Russian Sports Federation of Deaf Sport.

WADA sent another reply to this news ‘Your email has been taken very seriously and already been forwarded to the relevant departments of WADA for follow up. We are also following up very closely the situation at DIBF which has been provided all the necessary support over the past few months.’

Photo by Christof Niklaus

Christof’s role in Poland is to function as official support and representative for GB’s only entrant Nathan Young who has been sharing his frustrations that there is still a lack of performance funding for Deaflympic athletes in the UK and blames the DCMS, Sport England and UK Sport for ignoring them.

Christof and Nathan at WDSCSC 2021
(Photo by Christof Niklaus)

EDSO Members seek Vote of No Confidence at Congress

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Ahead of today’s European Deaf Sport Organisation Congress, former General Secretary shared an open letter and vlog to explain the situation about his dismissal and concerns of poor leadership.

VIDEO INTRO:

A brief explanation of this article

Today, Saturday 10 July 2021, at the European Deaf Sport Organisation (EDSO) online Congress, one of its national members, UK Deaf Sport will table a motion of no confidence in the EDSO Board. The reason for this relates to the unexplained reasons for the 2019 abrupt dismissal of Philip Gerrard, a Vice President of UK Deaf Sport who, at the time was the EDSO Secretary General – In 2018, he was overwhelmingly voted in by the EDSO membership on his popular manifesto to help EDSO modernise and reform.

Gerrard has asked Two Big Ears to publish his IS vlog here for the benefit of the whole European Deaf Community as a matter of public interest. The vlog will be uncomfortable viewing for members of the EDSO Board because its is a frank account of concerns:

VIDEO FROM P. GERRARD:

Philip Gerrard Explains reason behind the vote of no confidence. This vlog is in International Sign

During his tenure, Gerrard kept his word to support EDSO by following up on his promises, he identified the following challenges facing the EDSO Board:

  1. Lack of strategic thinking presented and reported on to member countries at meetings and in-between.
  2. Lack of opportunities and encouragement for women to join the EDSO Board.
  3. Lack of robust and transparent financial processes which led to the closure of the EDSO bank account.

After Gerrard was dismissed, UK Deaf Sport and other countries were expecting to see an improvement or changes made to the organisational issues that were raised. But since nothing has happened, the motion to make a vote of no confidence has been submitted.

Considering the amount of time that has passed since his dismissal, Gerrard has written an email and a vlog for the EDSO members to read to ensure that they fully understand the reasons for the vote of no confidence. Gerrard has also asked Two Big Ears to publish both the vlog and the messages here so that the grassroots membership in deaf sports clubs as well as the Deaf community in European nations have full access to what is going on.

email-from-philip-gerrardDownload

As we publish this post, we understand that other nations have pledged their support to vote for this. In addition to explaining the reasons for the vote of no confidence, the motion also puts forwards recommendations that:

  1. All EDSO members deliver a vote of no confidence and ask for an independent review into the reasons for the dismissal of Philip Gerrard as EDSO Secretary General and;
  2. That the EDSO Board engage with its members to ensure that national representatives can fully access future EDSO meetings and events.

When we were approached by Philip Gerrard, we asked him why he wanted to go public. His explanation was straight to the point: “To give members the opportunity to seek reform with EDSO.”

Ahead of todays EDSO congress, UK Deaf Sport has sent in a message of support to Gerrard’s email and expressed their concerns “We are disappointed with the expereince our UK Deaf Sport International Relations ambassador has had, and look forward to seeing steps taken by EDSO to ensure greater commitment towards gender equity and good governance which is something we strongly believe in.”

UK Deaf Sport will be represented at the Congress by Gordon Hay, from the UKDS International Relations Group and Valerie Copenhagen, UKDS Executive Director. They will also table a second motion that EDSO meetings (online and face to face) must modernise and be delivered with captions in English alongside International Signs. Readers will ask “Why English?” In line with international protocol, English is the official language of communications for official EDSO business and this is stated in the EDSO constitution.

Never Heard of the Deaflympics?

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Samsun emblem2017-s-large

As we get closer towards the Opening Ceremony of the 23rd Deaflympic games in Samsun, Turkey this summer, Deaflympic athletes and their supporters are working hard to raise the profile of this event through Social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram etc) – this is generating the important and necessary exposure that the event needs.

This is important because it is still largely unknown in the sports world and to the general public and therefore many people will be finding out about the Deaflympics for the first time. When they learn that the Deaflympics are the oldest International multi-sports event in the world for disabled people, they want to know why they have not heard the name before.

All types of movements and organisations within society are highly dependent on the political and public profile that the leaders inherit, cultivate or acquire. The founding of the Olympic, Deaflympic and Paralympic movements all originate from the ideals, beliefs, innovations and leadership of three individuals who have been credited as ‘founding fathers’ of their respective events. They were Baron de Coubertin, Eugene Rubens-Alcais and Ludwig Guttmann.

These founding fathers all started their movements from different starting points and once people understand this, they will realise how important the Socio-economic backgrounds and the amount of political influence that these leaders had was critical in raising the profile of their causes.

Socio-economic backgrounds

Before the first Olympic and Paralympics Games were inaugurated, Coubertin and Guttmann had already become very successful, wellconnecetd and highly celebrated in their professional careers.

In contrast, the co-founder of the International Games for the Deaf, Rubens-Alcais, in his lifetime, never progressed to become anything more than a car-mechanic in a Paris suburb. This surely suggests that the legacy of Eugene Rubens-Alcais is remarkable.

Without a comparable high standing in society, Rubens-Alcais was unable to call upon networks or influential political support when most needed. Described as a ‘brilliant’ man of modest habits, he spent the whole of his adult life in a sparsely furnished and simple attic apartment. He gave all his time and everything he had to the cause of his friends and others.

He was eventually recognised decorated several times by his fellow countrymen; Officier d’Académie 1930 (Silver Palms) – awarded in France for contributions to national education and culture, Médaille d’Or de l’Education Physique (1930), a Gold Medal for Physical Education, Chevalier du Mérite Norvegien (1960), Chevalier du Mérite Social and the Commandeur du Mérite Sportif (1962).

For Guttmann, his starting point was very different. When he first established the Stoke Mandeville games, he was able to call upon the support of many influential people. One of his spinal-cord associates was Professor Maglio, who ran an Italian research centre on impairments. They collaborated and worked to ensure their Games followed on from the 1960 Olympics in Rome. Dr Nakamura, a Japanese medical researcher worked with Mr Kasai, Chairman of the Japanese Sports Association for the Disabled who, through him, had close ties to the Japanese government. And Kasai’s further influence secured funding for the 1964 Games from both public and private sector sources. When the Mexican government cited ‘technical difficulties’ as their reason for not hosting the Paralympics in 1968, the Israeli Government was lobbied by the ILAN Society (a group of disability activists); and this resulted in the event being hosted near Tel Aviv.

 Political Influences

The political connections accessible to Coubertin and Guttmann placed them in a position of influence that Rubens-Alcais could never hope to achieve.

The Olympics were not an original idea of Coubertin. In the beginning, an Englishman, Dr Brookes attempted to revive the concept of the original Olympic Games but was studiously ignored by the British sports establishment, despite having contacts within the Greek government and with the Greek Olympic philanthropists, the Zappas cousins. Brookes then began to collaborate with Coubertin who used his international society contacts to persuade the King of Greece and its government, along with others, to fund the 1896 Olympics in Athens.

The British government funded Guttmann’s research work so he already had the political backing he required. The idea of using sport as a motivator came to Guttmann when he observed patients playing a game in their wheelchairs utilizing a puck and an up-turned walking stick. The Disabled Persons (Employment) Act was passed by the British government in 1944 and members of Parliament who were war-veterans themselves ‘insisted that the act give preference to those injured as a result of war service’. This, however, focused on those who had become disabled by the trauma of war and did nothing to help the congenitally disabled that had not been injured in the line of duty.

It is necessary to digress here, whilst on the subject of political influence, and introduce a fourth pioneer – Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of the Special Olympics. Her first “Shriver Camp” was set up in 1962 and was an indelible part of the philanthropic Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation and the political drive of President John Kennedy towards the needs of children and the field of intellectual disability. The Kennedy legacy still remains a large attribute of the Special Olympics today.

Eugene Rubens-Alcais, who was born with normal hearing but became deaf at an early age due to fever, already had odds stocked against him when, in the 1920s, he began his far-reaching friendship with Antoine Dresse. Antoine came from a family of Belgian bankers and industrialists in Liege. These two men formed a unique alliance of interests as they began to build a federation of pan European Deaf sports organizations. They had small networks to draw upon and neither had the credibility of a highly respected international social/professional position. But, nevertheless, what they had was an opportunity to empower disabled people in a society that largely ostracised them.

Eugene Rubens-Alcais resigned as the President of the Comité International des Sports Silencieux (CISS) in 1953 and was succeeded by four other leaders who had to compete with Guttmann’s political standing until Robert Steadward in turn succeeded him. Rubens-Alcais’ successors were also people of modest socio-economic standing (See table below)

Table: CISS Presidents during the time Guttmann led the International Stoke Mandeville Games Federation (ISMGF)
Rubens Alcais FRA (1924-1953) Car mechanic
Oscar Ryden SWE (1953-1955) Joiner, woodcarver, Sculptor, editor and lecturer.
J.P Neilsen DEN (1955-1961) Carpenter
Pierre Bernhard FRA (1961-1971) Carpenter, wood sculptor, coffin maker and WW2 resistance fighter.
Jerald Jordan USA (1971-1995) Printer, teacher, administrator at Gallaudet University for the Deaf.
Further details and biographies can be found in CISS 2001: A Review.

To read more about this subject and understand how the disempowerment of disabled people and the professional background of Deaflympic leaders may also have been a strong factor in the low-profile of the Deaflympics, you can order your own copy of Same Spirit Different Team here.

 

The above article is an edited extract from the book itself.

High Praise and High Expectations for Samsun Deaflympics 2017

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With just 71 days to go to the Opening Ceremony, President of the ICSD Dr Rukhledev has praised the Organising Committee of this year’s Summer Deaflympics in Samsun, Turkey.

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This is very good news indeed, it is important that standards are continually met in order to meet the high demands and expectations of each generation that comes into sport.

I share Rukhledev’s sentiments and praise for the high quality of the 2005 Deaflympics as I was with the GB team in Melbourne when the organisers teamed up with the Commonwealth Games committee and worked together to use the Deaflympics as a testing event for many of the venues. Taipei were up next in 2009 as they wanted to show the world and the IOC that they too are capable of hosting World Class events and should be considered as a contender to host the Olympics. Again, I can also vouch from personal experience from being there with my family that the organisers did not disappoint us; up until now athletes, officials and administrators in the Deaflympic movement have often wondered if it was possible to improve on the spectacle delivered by the City of Taipei.

By all accounts, it would appear that athletes, officials and supporters heading for Samsun this summer are going to rewarded with the best ever Deaflympics to date. To back up ICSD’s claims, the Chef de Mission of the DeaflympicsGB was very impressed with how things were progressing when he went out for an early inspection visit in February, so things have clearly moved up a notch in the three months since then.

Athletes and coaches preparing for this year’s event should be highly motivated by this good news as things have been very difficult economically, especially when many governments still refuse to treat Deaflympians with the same accord as they do for Paralympians. Whilst DeaflympicsGB have maximised the use of social media, personal contacts and sacrificed training time for fund-raising activities to reach their funding targets recently, other Commonwealth nations like Australia are still looking for funds. The President of the IAAF, Sebastian Coe once said that if you put the athletes at the centre of all your planning and preparations, then they will be able to perform at their lifetime best.

With favourable inspection reports coming in, it would appear that the hosts are going to deliver as Lord Coe suggests. For example, this will be the very first time that there will be an Athletes Village for the Deaflympics where everyone will experience the ‘melting pot’ of cultures and nationalities all sharing the same accommodation to be hosted by the University of Samsun. But this will also bring a new set challenges for the 80 or so, national Chef de Missions and their backroom staff who, up until now have been used to managing the daily logistics of preparation and recovery of their athletes from the sanctuary and isolation of privately booked hotels and other forms of accommodation, with minimal interaction and interference from other teams.

This year I will be joining DeaflympicsGB  as Manager for the golfers where our sport will be medalling for the first time since the games began in 1924. Our hosts will be Samsun Golf Club whose brochure and promotional materials backed up by our CdM’s inspection report reassure us that only the very best will be good enough for our competitors.

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For more information about the Deaflympics 2017