Deaf Kids Connect is a social meet-up group for deaf children in Sussex. As subscribers of the Destination Deaflympics programme, they applied for Have a Go Day funding to deliver a Deaflympics inspired workshop.
The Have a Go Day fund was launched by UK Deaf Sport as part of their Destination Deaflympics programme. Subscribers who were already delivering Destination Deaflympics activities were able to apply for funding to provide an event which gave deaf young people a chance to come together and enjoy physical activity inspired by Deaflympic sport.
Sharing Inclusive and Accessible Activity
The inclusive and accessible workshop was delivered by deaf coach William Bricknell of Brighton and Albion FC and 2025 Deaflympian Oliver Pritchard. It was designed to introduce sport to those who thought it not possible for them, or who had negative experiences in the past.
The role models showed the children that with the right support, they can do sport. The young people enjoyed being in a room full of deaf peers, fully participating in activities, taking part equally and having fun without barriers.
The coach’s feedback was incredibly positive:
“I wish we’d had something like this when I was growing up! I can’t believe how many deaf children there are here, in one room.”
The workshop was open to deaf and hard of hearing children aged 5-16 years and their hearing siblings.
The outcomes
The Destination Deaflympics programme aims to create long-term participation in sport and activity for deaf young people. This event proved to be very popular, with many deciding to join in at the last minute. Most of the deaf young people who took part came from mainstream schools.
Football was a clear favourite among participants so, alongside a planned summer camp, the hope is to create a deaf youth football squad locally, as deaf sport leagues are lacking in the area.
“I loved doing sport with all my friends. I liked using the coloured cones to know when to start and stop, instead of listening to a whistle or voices. It was fun learning about the other countries and what they do.” Participant, aged 8.
How to be a Part of Delivering Destination Deaflympics
There are currently 50,000 deaf children in the UK (National Deaf Children’s Society). For children who are less active, 43% of deaf children participate in no physical activity at all compared to 26% of children with no disability (Sport England, Active Lives Children and Young People Survey, 2024).
UK Deaf Sport’s vision is for every deaf person to be active and inspired by sport and physical activity. Their Destination Deaflympics programme creates just those opportunities for deaf young people aged 8-16 years, allowing them to try out new activities with friends and learn about the Deaflympics Games.
If you are a UK based deaf school, deaf resource base, deaf community or sports club, or an organisation engaging with deaf 8–16 year olds, you can learn more and sign up for free on our Destination Deaflympics page.
Have a Go Day Funding
Have a Go Fun Day funding is open to those already delivering Destination Deaflympics activities through the postal packs. You can learn more about the funding and read other case studies here.
If you are already a subscriber to the Destination Deaflympics programme you are likely to be eligible for Have a Go Day Funding.*
Learn more and apply by contacting Becky Price on becky.price@ukds.org.uk.
*Only postal pack subscribers are eligible for Have a Go Day funding.