The Deaflympics are here — and the world is making noise in short, unexpected bursts.
Every day at 0900 JST we will make a round up of the previous days media coverage.
Day 0 gave us warm send-offs, big squads and small victories in visibility. Olympics.com lit the match with a 111-strong team and one of the best flagbearer stories you’ll read this year. South Africa rolled out its Deaflympic history like a flex. Japan finally joined the conversation, proudly talking Deaf culture, sign language and tech that lets you see sound. Taiwan kept it sweet and simple with one perfect airport selfie.
Day 1 hit a different gear. The Japan Times stepped up with a thoughtful, detailed feature that actually treated Deaf athletes like elite competitors, not curiosities. The World spotlighted the Deaflympics turning 100 — a message so obvious you wonder why broadcasters keep ignoring it. And then, at last, a shift: Yahoo Sports published a “how to watch” guide for free live streams. Not a TV revolution, but it’s a start.
Illustration featured in Japan Times
Across two days, one thing is crystal clear: The written coverage is showing up. The broadcasters? Still stretching in the warm-up area.
But the athletes are already on the track. And they’re not waiting.
Combined takeaway
Two days in, the Deaflympics are shining loudest in written media. The athletes are visible. The culture is visible. Sign language is visible. The broadcasters, though? Still playing hide-and-seek.
But the flame is lit — and the story is beginning to grow, we have read that NHK will broadcast the Opening and Closing ceremonies live, so we will report on that claim tomorrow.
Previous Mainstream Media Coverage This Week
In a brief yet significant segment, BBC Breakfast showcased members of the UK Deaflympics team ahead of their departure to Tokyo, highlighting the athletes’ rigorous preparation and the historic nature of this year’s Games. The piece emphasised the pride of representing Deaf sport on the world stage and touched on the broader issues of visibility and recognition for Deaf athletes — though the focus remained largely on inspirational narrative rather than deeper media-rights or coverage-strategy questions.
And an earlier but still recent piece from the UK parliament’s Culture, Media & Sport Committee outlining that MPs have written to broadcasters over the absence of planned coverage for the Deaflympics.
You Can Help!
Do you know of any other mainstream media coverage of the Deaflympics 2025 – send us a link with the reply button
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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”
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.
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.
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.
The Deaflympic family bids farewell to Ralph Fernandez US athlete, official and stalwart of the Deaflympic movement.
Ralph Fernandez April 22 1964 – Jan 4 2025
A memorial service will be held at Joseph Gawler’s Sons Funeral Home, 5130 Wisconsin Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016 at 12:00PM in the Grand Hall followed by a light reception in the President Eisenhower Suite from 1:30 until 3:30PM.
Many tributes have been flooding in from around he world to recognise his work and passion.
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.
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.
Two Big Ears 