Cookies help our website to remember you and your preferences. For more information or to update your cookie settings, please go to our privacy policy.

Accept Decline
Skip to content.

The national charity and leading voice for disabled people in sport and activity

Menu. Open and close this menu with the ENTER key.

UK Deaf Sport Announces DeaflympicsGB Squad for Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics

UK Deaf Sport has revealed the team of deaf athletes who will be representing GB in Tokyo this November at the 2025 Deaflympics.

Oliver Pritchard in a cycling racing suit on a road bike cycles on a road.

The Deaflympics are held every four years and are open to deaf athletes with a hearing loss of at least 55dB in their ‘better ear’. Around 3000 deaf athletes representing 80 countries from around the world will be competing between November 15 - 26 in 21 different sports.

The first Deaflympics took place in Paris in 1924 making this event the second oldest multisport competition after the Olympic games.

UK Deaf Sport and the DeaflympicsGB Team have beaten the odds to go to Tokyo by raising almost all of the funds needed to compete, despite having no government funding.

DeaflympicsGB Team

Chef de Mission, Chris Beech brings together a team of experienced and exciting young talent in preparation for the 25th Summer Deaflumpics.

The DeaflympicsGB Team will be ascending 100 athletes and support staff, representing over seven sports; athletics, cycling, football, golf, shooting, swimming and tennis.

There are five golfers heading to Tokyo, including golfer Aiden Silman who is competing at his first ever Deaflympics games. He said:

"It is a proud moment for myself and my family for all the hard work I have put into my golf game over the last couple of years. I’m grateful for the opportunity to go and play for Great Britain." 

Representing DeaflympicsGB in cycling is Oliver Pritchard. Oliver won Gold in the European Triathlon in Madrid, 2023 and also competes in athletics. After spending three months training hard in Australia earlier this year Oliver feels fit and ready to compete in Tokyo:

"It’s an incredible honour to be selected to represent my country at the Games. This is the result of years of hard work, dedication, and support from my team, family, and community. I’m looking forward to competing at the highest level, giving everything I have, and making the most of this amazing opportunity."

Charlotte Gower may be 15 years old but she has her eyes firmly on a medal in the 200m backstroke. She is currently the fastest female S15 category short and middle distance swimmer in the UK and has competed at both the Aquatic GB Swimming Championships and the English Swimming Championships, making finals in both.

“I am absolutely delighted to have been selected to represent team GB and am looking forward to competing in Tokyo.” 

Chris Beech, Chef de Mission will lead the team in Tokyo this November. A gold medalist himself from the Melbourne 2005 Deaflympics said:

"I am honored to lead an exceptional group of talented athletes, ably backed up with excellent coaching and core staff, who have shown resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to represent their country with pride.
"Especially where the majority of this team is self-funded. Sacrificing, fundraising, and working tirelessly to turn their dreams into reality. While we may face challenges beyond the field of play, our resolve is stronger than ever."

"These athletes are more than competitors—they are ambassadors, role models, and leaders for future generations of Deaf athletes. I am deeply proud to stand alongside them. Together, we will show the world that greatness is not defined by resources. It is by heart, community, and the courage to believe in something bigger than ourselves."

Team Funding

The DeaflympicsGB Team receive no government funding to cover the £500,000 cost of attending and competing. UK Deaf Sport are proud to have worked hard, along with the sports and athletes to raise the funds, ensuring our DeaflympicsGB athletes can bring home the medals.

The team have been grateful for the support of SignVideo, the official partner of the DeaflympicsGB Team, although there is still a long way to go to cover the remainder of costs to attend the Deaflympics. The athletes themselves will have to cover the cost to represent Great Britain at these elite sporting Deaflympics.

With just a few months to go until the team fly out to Tokyo final preparations are taking place and there is still the opportunity to assist with raising the final £100,000 needed for the cost of flights, accommodation, kit and food.

Organisations and individuals can find out more about funding and sponsorship opportunities on the UK Deaf Sport website.