By Nick Butler

A new scheme has been launched to raise opportunities for deaf athletes in London ©DEAFinitely InclusiveA new network has been introduced in London with the aim of improving sporting opportunities for deaf people.


The DEAFinitely Inclusive Network, launched by UK Deaf Sport in conjunction with Interactive and sponsors Fireco, is focusing on providing opportunities for those who are deaf or hard of hearing to play, coach and volunteer in sport and physical activity.

Representatives from the three groups, as well as Sport England, the English Federation of Disability Sport and various national governing bodies attended a launch event at the Ibis Styles Hotel at Excel London Exhibition Centre, alongside various deaf groups including the National Deaf Children's Society, CommunityID, and Action on Hearing Loss.

"Today's launch is the biggest event we've held to date, with over 80 delegates in attendance," said Lee Dolby, the director of development at UK Deaf Sport.

"More importantly it's a big step forward for deaf sport and builds on the success of the other networks that we have in other areas of the country.

"It's been fantastic to see so many organisations come together and show their commitment to becoming DEAFinitely Inclusive and creating more opportunities for people who are deaf or hard of hearing to play, coach and volunteer in sport and physical activity."

The DEAFinitely Inclusive event has been launched in London ©TwitterThe DEAFinitely Inclusive event has been launched in London ©Twitter



This comes after Sport England's Active People Survey found that people who are deaf or hard of hearing are the least likely group to participate in sport.

Although few specific measures have been unveiled so far, the new group is seeking to "understand and address the barriers deaf people face when wanting to take part in sport and physical activity".

It also follows on from similar DEAFinitely Inclusive community programmes in other locations, with three in existence across Great Britain bringing together over 200 local, regional and national organisations from sport and disability sectors.

"Interactive is proud to be associated with the first DEAFinitely Inclusive network meeting in London and is committed to supporting the network to grow and develop," added Interactive development manager Alex Gibbons.

"It was fantastic to see representatives from a range of sectors and organisations in attendance, all providing valuable contributions on the day.

"We believe this is the beginning of a passionate and influential network that will make a positive and lasting difference to deaf people's participation in sport across the capital."

Globally, deaf sport is run by International Committee of Sports for the Deaf after a split from the International Paralympic Committee in 1996.

The Deaflympics, due to next take place in Samsun, Turkey in 2017, is the major event on the calendar.

It is hoped by many that deaf events will one day also feature on the Paralympic programme.