Active Devon worked in conjunction with St Margaret’s Academy in Torbay to deliver a Deaflympics Day as part of the Destination Deaflympics funded Have a Go Day programme.
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 and event which gave deaf young people a chance to come together and enjoy physical activity inspired by Deaflympic sport.
A day of active fun
Twenty-one deaf 8-12 year olds from across Plymouth, Exeter and Torbay came together for the Deaflympic inspired multi-sport event. The day was an opportunity for deaf young people of a similar age and communication need to meet and extend their social circles.
“It was a great day and nice to see other people like me.”
The young people participated in football and volleyball culminating in certificate awarding and a medal ceremony.
Extending the partnership working, the school collaborated with a local college by inviting students studying Sports Coaching to deliver the activities. Importantly, two of these students were also deaf, providing accessible role models to the participants.
The outcomes
The day was successful in its aim to give deaf young people the chance to socialise with new people, build confidence in their deaf identity, play and do sport together.
“I liked playing sports with other deaf children.”
The Destination Deaflympics programme aims to bring long-term change to the lives of young participants. Now that the communication similarities between children within travelling distance are known, it is hoped that similar future events will take place, with college students returning to support and inspire participants.
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.