Disability Sport Wales has announced today it is to provide financial support for two Welsh deaf athletes, as the prepare to compete at the 22nd Summer Deaflympic Games in Sofia, Bulgaria later this month, this much needed support will contribute to the essential funds needed to participate at the Deaflympics.
Denbighshire based swimmer, Emily Noden is an established member of the Great Britain squad, has already competed in the European Deaf Championships and the World Deaf Swimming Championships. The 16 year old, who will enrol as a student at Deeside College this September, has been raising funds needed to attend the Deaflympics, is delighted with this added boost to her fundraising efforts. The second athlete to join Emily this summer is Tom Smith. The Cardiff based cyclist will compete in the Sprint, Road Race and Point Race has already achieved success in his cycling career with multiple British and Welsh Road and Track Championship wins. The 26 year old only returned to cycling full time at the start of 2013, following an accident in 2004, in which he was hit by a car, whilst out training.
Gareth John MBE, Chairman for Disability Sport Wales commented, "Disability Sport Wales is pleased to be able to support Emily and Tom attend the Deaflympics in Bulgaria. The Deaflympics is an important movement providing competitive opportunities for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. We take an inclusive approach to our sports, and are delighted that Wales will be represented at this event. We wish all the best for Tom and Emily".
Cyclist Tom Smith, stated: "I am very grateful to Disability Sport Wales for the funding I have received. Trying to fund raise to go to the Deaflympics has been hard work and it's disheartening when you see the amount of support the London 2012 athletes received. So to get this funding is a huge relief and a lot of weight off my shoulders."
