| Former Deaflympian Fiona Brookes has been named as the Team GB Chef de Mission for this summer’s Deaflympics in Sofia.
This is the first time that Brookes, who is also Chair of British Deaf Tennis will lead the GB team.
The 47-year-old from Reigate in Surrey, has competed in two Deaflympics, and won two silvers in badminton, but has also represented GB at tennis. Her career spans from 1985 in Los Angeles to 2001 in Rome.
Fiona’s daughter Bethany Brookes will follow in her mother’s footsteps and be part of the Team GB squad for Sofia, hoping to win medals in tennis.
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Speaking about her appointment Brookes said
“It is a real honour to be taking on this role, and I was delighted to be asked.“Having been involved mainly on the tennis scene for many years, it will be interesting to work with the other sports, and ensure that the whole of Team GB is given every opportunity to do its utmost and bring those medals home!”
Britain finished 26th in the medal table in Taipei 2009 and hope to improve on that placing in Sofia with a team of 48 competitors challenging for top honours.
Our athletes will be competing in:
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Cycling
- Karate,
- Shooting
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Women’s Football.
UK Deaf Sport Chair, Philip Gerrard commented:
“We are delighted that Fiona has agreed to lead Team GB in Sofia. This ties in with our long-term plans for improving high-performance opportunities for deaf sport.“The backing we have received from Sport England has enabled us to appoint Lee Dolby as our new Director of Development. Lee will lead on our two Sport England funded projects, Inclusive Sport and Talent Development.“The support from Sport England has already enabled us to provide this year’s team with first class training and support from sports scientists and the UK Anti-doping Agency.“These, along with Fiona as Chef de Mission will boost our efforts to have a successful Deaflympics.”
