‘We have to fund the Deaflympics ourselves’ | BBC News
The Deaflympics is a “culturally important event” in the calendar but athletes have to fund themselves, says the CEO of UK Deaf Sport.
Chris Ratcliffe, 57, was born profoundly deaf and has represented Great Britain at the Deaflympics as a swimmer, as well as winning the Deaf Rugby World Cup in 2002 with Wales.
The Deaflympics, inspired by the Olympics, was set up partly to celebrate deaf culture, but also “to be able to compete with one another on a level playing field,” Mr Ratcliffe said.
He is hoping to raise awareness of the Deaflympics as it celebrates its 100th anniversary.
What is the Deaflympics?
The first Deaflympics was held in Paris back in 1924, with nine countries including Great Britain taking part.
It takes place every four years, with the 51st games to be held in Tokyo next year.
UK Deaf Sport is hoping to send a team of 115 people in sports such as athletics, swimming, and football.
