Australian Hearing joined Deaf athletes, event organisers and members of the Deaf community at the SA Athletics Stadium to mark the final 100 day countdown to the start of the XVII Australian Deaf Games.
(L-R: Netballer Michelle Kennewell; darts player Kelly Ferguson; table tennis player Gwen Rapley and cricketer Brenton Lillecrapp.)
From 9-16 January 2016, more than 1,000 Deaf and hard of hearing people from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Samoa will converge on Adelaide for the pinnacle multi-sport Deaf event in Australia. Held every four years, the 2016 Australian Deaf Games will have 15 sports on offer including cricket, netball, rugby 7s and basketball, with participants competing for the coveted Australian Deaf Federation Cup (JML Cup).
(L-R: Kelly Ferguson, Brenton Lillecrapp, Gwen Rapley, Michelle Kennewell)
The 100 days to go milestone also saw Australian Hearing officially announced as the Deaf Sports Australia Corporate Partner for the Games.
Speaking at the SA Athletics Stadium, Australian Hearing Managing Director Bill Davidson said it was a privilege for the organisation to be a part of the Games.
“The Australian Deaf Games bring together the community to celebrate and showcase the very best in Deaf sport. From champion athletes to social players and those that like watching from the side, the Games provide competitors with an opportunity to participate at whatever level they aspire,” Mr Davidson said.
Some of those hoping to make an impression at the Games include netballer Melissa Kennewell, cricketer Brenton Lillecrapp, table tennis player Gwen Rapley and darts player Kelly Ferguson. The group marked the 100 days to go until the start of the Games at the SA Athletics Stadium.
“It is stories like these that not only inspire the team at Australian Hearing but also promote the development of Deaf sport. As we enter the final countdown to the kick-off date on 9 January, I look forward to following the journeys of many of the Deaf Games participants.”
“On behalf of Australian Hearing, I wish all the participating athletes the best of luck.”