Last year, an unfortunate administrative mistake was made affecting three representatives (Craig Crowley, Philip Gerrard and Gordon Hay) at the Winter Deaflympics Congress in Italy. At the time the Board, staff and volunteers at UK Deaf Sport worked hard to try and resolve the situation, however, we were unsuccessful and therefore wish to extend our sincere apologies for the embarrassment it caused.

An Internal review was undertaken, including a collective discussion focussing on recommendations on improving international processes, communication both internally and externally and strengthening the link between the Board, the Executive Director and members.

It is acknowledged and agreed that UK Deaf Sport accepts responsibility and that positive steps have been put in place to ensure this will not happen again.

UK Deaf Sport believes there was some discrepancy in ICSD’s constitution which led to representatives being turned away from Congress. UKDS is taking this further with the ICSD Board.

UK Deaf Sport with the International Relations Group remains committed to pursuing its international strategy and goals, paving the way for positive visibility, development of programmes and projects that benefit Deaf Sport and Deaf sportspeople in the UK and on an international platform. With recent additional funding acquired UK Deaf Sport looks forward to being able to do more to continue to grow the organisation and with additional capacity support deaf sports, athletes and members going forward.