Since the announcement that only the Olympics and Paralympics would figure in UK Sport's seven-year funding strategy six years ago, British deaf sport has faced an uncertain future.

UK Deaf Sport took UK Sport to UK Sport Resolution, however it lost the case and lacked the financial capacity to appeal the decision.

What's more, deaf sport's problems do not stop there and it continues to struggle on a global level without support from the Paralympic Movement.

The International Committee of Sport for the Deaf (ICSD) has been keen to get the disability included in the Paralympic Games and, despite holding discussions with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), no agreement has been reached for them to be integrated.

As a result, the new investment from Sport England will come as a welcome injection of funds to support the UK Team heading to Sofia for the 2013 Deaflympics.

"This is fantastic news for deaf sport, and especially for our sportsmen and women who are in training for next year's Deaflympics," said Derek Simmons, President of UK Deaf Sport.

"UK Deaf Sport will do its utmost to make it another successful summer for a British sporting team when it arrives in Sofia next July.

"We very much appreciate Sport England's support."

Anthony Sinclair and Catherine Graham secured Britain's first Deaflympics mixed doubles gold medal for more than 50 years and Britain's only gold of the Taipei 2009 Deaflympics

A British team of more than 100 athletes and officials took part in the last Deaflympics in 2009, competing in eight sports and winning 10 medals, with a similar sized team expected to travel to Bulgaria in July and August for next year's event.

Sport England's chief executive Jennie Price added: "The phenomenal performances of GB athletes at the Paralympic Games showed just what can be achieved with the right blend of talent, dedication and financial support.

"The investment we're announcing today will help to create a level playing field for talented young deaf athletes on their journey to elite sport."

Government officials were equally pleased by the news and Britain's Minister for Sport and the Olympics Hugh Robertson said: "We want to build on all areas of disability sport, following the success of the Paralympics.

"The funding from Sport England to UK Deaf Sport will help athletes receive the high level of dedicated training that we know needs to be undertaken to compete effectively on the world stage."

The Deaflympics, first held in Paris in 1924, are currently the most high profile event for deaf athletes.

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