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Funding axed for two Leeds deaf athletes
TWO athletes from Leeds face having their hopes shattered after Government funding for the Deaflympics 2009 was axed.
Now Serena Blackburn, 43, of Horsforth, and Andrea Hardwick, 42, of Rothwell, face having to raise 6,300 each for a place.
Marathon runner Serena and badminton champion Andrea, are both deaf and have been in training to represent Great Britain in Taipei in this year's 21st Summer Deaflympic Games.
Government cash will be diverted towards the 2012 Olympics in London.
The blow comes as funding hs been cut on athletes preparing for the London 2012 Olympics.
Now Leeds Society for Deaf and Blind People is backing Serena and Andrea in their appeal to raise funds to compete in the games.
Serena said: "Hundreds of deaf athletes like me are being disadvantaged due to a lack of funding for the games. This is a major event, something we strive towards our whole lives, only now our dreams could be shattered, forcing us all to pull out of the competition for the first time in 21 years."
Andrea added: "Millions of pounds are thrown at the regular Olympics and Paralympics, and no doubt they deserve it, but this is just as important to us. I personally feel like it is not being taken seriously and that I am being unfairly pushed out."
An online petition has gathered over 2,000 signatures after UK Deaf Sport (UKDS) launched a campaign to get the Government to divert funding back to the games.
Last summer, Leeds Society for Deaf and Blind People part-funded Serena in the First Deaf World Athletics Championships in Turkey.
After scooping a bronze medal in the marathon, she was crowned 'Sportswoman of the Year' at the Annual nPower Disability Sport Awards.
Andrea had won six Deaflympic medals and this year will be her last ever games as a competitor. Andrea's late husband, Stephen Hardwick MBE, captained the 1984 GB football team and had the honour of flying the flag at the opening ceremony.
A Department for Culture, Media and Sport spokesperson said: "As we aspire towards the ambitious target of finishing second at the Paralympics and in the top four in the Olympic medal table in 2012 difficult funding decisions have to be made.
"With its remit now fully focused on achieving these targets, UK Sport has directed its limited public funding accordingly and is now no longer able to provide funds to UK Deaf Sport."
To sponsor Serena or Andrea call Rob Young on 0113 243 8328 and for more information about the society visit www.leedsdeaf andblind.org.uk.
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