Deaf athletes in Great Britain aim to raise £500,000 to compete in the Tokyo Deaflympics, partnering with Ocean Outdoor to reach their goal.
- The public fundraiser was launched in London’s Leicester Square, marking one year until the 2025 Tokyo Deaflympics.
- Great Britain’s history in the Deaflympics spans 100 years, with participation in various cities supported by donated advertising space from Ocean Outdoor.
- DeaflympicsGB must secure £25,000 in the next 10 days to reserve accommodations in Tokyo, part of the overall £500,000 needed.
- Athletes like Kimahrie Lee and Nathan Young share personal stories highlighting the financial burdens of competing without government funding.
In partnership with Ocean Outdoor, deaf athletes in Great Britain have taken their appeal for funds to the streets to support their participation in the upcoming Tokyo Deaflympics. They aim to raise £500,000 to cover expenses, as they receive no government or National Lottery funding, unlike their Olympian and Paralympian counterparts.
The fundraising campaign was kicked off in London’s Leicester Square, one year ahead of the 2025 Deaflympics. Key figures, including UK Deaf Sport CEO Chris Ratcliffe and GB deaf athletes like Lucindha Lawson and Fiona Brookes, gathered to launch this crucial public effort. Ocean Outdoor has generously donated advertising space in various cities such as Manchester, Leeds, and Glasgow to spotlight this initiative.
As one of the Deaflympics’ founding members, Great Britain’s legacy in the Games is notable, having earned 249 medals. However, DeaflympicsGB faces a pressing need to secure £25,000 within the next 10 days for athlete accommodations, emphasizing the financial obstacles these athletes encounter.
Kimahrie Lee, an England Deaf Futsal Player, expressed the personal sacrifices made to balance sports with other commitments. She mentioned the lack of access to high-quality coaching and support due to financial constraints, stressing the potential achievements with adequate funding.
Nathan Young, a GB Deaf Swimmer, has dedicated over a decade to his sport, juggling training with academic pursuits, often relying on personal funding to maintain his athletic ambitions. His story highlights the ongoing struggle for fair treatment and support for deaf athletes in the UK.
UK Deaf Sport is actively advocating for government support to ensure that elite deaf athletes receive the same recognition and resources as other athletes. Chris Ratcliffe emphasized the pressure on athletes to fundraise, which distracts from their training and preparation, hoping this campaign will provide much-needed support.
Ocean Outdoor, continuing its association with the Olympic and Deaf sports movements, reiterates its mission to recognize and support elite deaf athletes through its partnership with UK Deaf Sport and DeaflympicsGB.
The campaign exemplifies the ongoing struggle for funding among deaf athletes, highlighting their dedication and the crucial role of public support.
