To gain some EqualityOfOpportunity in Deaf Sport

Firstly, I want to thank you for taking this time to read this.

My name is Nathan Young. I am deaf. The fastest deaf male swimmer in the Great Britain. 4th fastest deaf swimmer in the world (in my disciplines). I compete at the Deaflympics which is the second longest running multi-sporting event in the world, behind the Olympics.

You maybe wondering why I am sharing these details with you, because despite Deaflympics running since 1924, there is no support or funding from my Government or National Lottery whilst they support and fund

Olympic and Paralympic swimmers. The financial support sees athletes receive financial stability; receive the best training and facilities, physio support and mental health support. This allows athletes to commit 100% to their sport with no worries about how they will continue in their chosen sport.

Deaflympic athletes inspire, commit and dedicate their lives to training for the Deaflympics and other qualifying competitions but also having to fully fund themselves . On top of this we have to fund a coach to accompany us. Raising money for all competitions, travel, expenses, food, kit, physio and anything that they hope will put them on some sort of journey to a level playing field whilst competing against fully funded swimmers from other countries. The truth is, it doesn’t. To put it into perspective, UK Sport gave £352 million (Government and National Lottery funding) to athletes in preparation for the Tokyo games. Deaflympians received nothing.

It’s been nearly 700 days since I started campaigning to the government, challenging for immediate change, attending TV interviews, podcasts, public speaking etc in order to try and gather as much publicity as I can. I cannot afford to continue my swimming journey without this. At the peak of my training, I can put in over 24 hours a week which is all I can afford.

In the past year we have a seen a greater awareness of the deaf community. After years of battling, the bill for BSL (British Sign Language) to be recognised as its own language in Great Britain has been passed. I want to keep this awareness growing and fight for deaf athletes to get the support they need. I’m aware the changes that are happening in the government mean that this change will not be a quick one.

I want our future deaf children to aspire to become a Deaflympian. To have hope that when standing on the block or track, competing in their first competition that they have a dream that one day they may themselves compete in the Deaflympics.

In the next year I have two major competitions coming up, World and European Championships. With no financial backing from our government, I want to ask you for your support in securing the training, support and preparation needed. This support would be the catalysts to my future and the hope that I make podium and further gain the equality in the lives of our deaf athletes.

Thank you again for taking the time to read this.

Nathan

#ICanSeeTheLightningButICantHearTheThunder

@NYDeafSwimmer