DEAFLYMPICS GAMES AND DEAF ATHLETES

That this House congratulates the Deaflympics as the second oldest multi-sport and cultural festival in the world, with a proud history stretching back to the first Deaflympic Games in Paris in 1924; notes the opportunity that the Games present in allowing deaf athletes the chance to participate and enjoy an Olympic experience; further notes that deaf athletes do not have the chance to participate in Paralympic Games; recognises the struggle the Great Britain Deaflympics team has faced in raising funds to support the team; further recognises that some athletes may be unable to compete at the next championships due to lack of funds; calls on the Government to support the team in any way it can, including by encouraging greater engagement through the national sporting bodies; and extends its very best wishes for the Great British team in the forthcoming Deaflympic Games in Taiwan in September 2009.