Senate Oval at Parliament House in Canberra was all silent this morning as the Nation’s Politicians had their turn at the Silent Sports Challenge, against a team of Deaf ACT and Deaf Sports Australia representatives in a game of Touch Football.
All participants were required to wear ear plugs and were not permitted to talk, so as to replicate playing sport with a hearing impairment, this presented quite a challenge for all, particularly the more vocal members of the Australian Parliamentary Sports Group.
Member for Fisher, Mal Brough, spoke on the importance of experiencing opportunities like this to achieve a greater understanding of the various impediments of individuals who have a hearing impairments”.
Chairman of the Australian Deafness Forum, David Brady, brought to attention the vast number of Australians who suffer from a hearing impairment, which currently stands at over 4 million.
“Having a hearing impairment not only affects the individual but their family and friends, holding events like this helps to create a greater understanding of this serious issue, and bring to attention the opportunities available to those with a hearing impairment”
“Some people are lucky, when dealing with their Hearing Impairment, but we want to ensure everyone has the same opportunities and services to assist in the future”
Next week marks International Hearing Week, whilst early in January 2016, Adelaide will play host to the Australian Deaf Games, which will feature a variety of sports, including Touch Football, to be supported by Touch Football Australia.
For more information on the Australian Deaf Games head to: http://www.deafsports.org.au/2016-australian-deaf-games
Photos of the morning’s game will be available through TFA Social Media shortly.
Related Links
- Silent Sports Challenge
