The News Agents Weekend Edition: Why doesn't the government fund deaf athletes? - The Sports Agents
Oct 31, 2025
Nathan Young, a Deaf elite swimmer and Deaflympics bronze medallist, sheds light on the challenges deaf athletes face. He discusses the lack of government funding due to their exclusion from the Paralympics, despite the rich history of the Deaflympics. They explore how funding disparities affect talent pathways and awareness, and the modifications needed for competitions, such as using lights instead of starting guns. Young emphasizes the need for recognition and support, aimed at inspiring the next generation of deaf athletes.
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Deaflympics Exists Because Paralympics Excludes Deafness
- Deaf athletes run their own 100-year-old Deaflympics because they are excluded from the Paralympics.
- That exclusion means they miss out on government and National Lottery funding available to Paralympians.
Athletes Self-Fund International Campaigns
- Nathan Chapman says he has self-funded eight international competitions and raised about £26,000 himself.
- He contrasts that with Paralympic athletes who receive government and National Lottery support.
Small Funding Ask, Big Visibility Impact
- Campaigners lobbied DCMS and requested a small £3m over four years to support Deaflympics athletes.
- They argue this funding is a tiny fraction of wider elite sport budgets and would create parity in support.
