One year to go before the 2024 Australian Deaf Games

Today marks the One Year To Go milestone for the 2024 Australian Deaf Games to be staged in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie area.

After a false start due to COVID, this national event turns international with the inclusion of the pacific regions and is set to welcome more than 1300 competitors and participants from all over Australia, and neighbouring Pacific nations. The Games will take place from 13 – 20 January 2024.

The postponement of the Australian Deaf Games to January 2024 has meant the event coincides with the 70^th Anniversary of the formation of Deaf Sports Australia and the 60^th Anniversary of the first Australian Deaf Games that were held in 1964 in Sydney.

In November 2021, Deaf Sport Australia agreed to a change to hold our Games every two years instead of every four years. The inaugural Oceania Deaf Games should be held in 2024. As we have moved our 2022 Games to 2024, we have merged the Australian Deaf Games with the Oceania Deaf Games for this occasion. The Oceania Deaf Games will be a partnership with Deaf Sport New Zealand.

Both City of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie City Councils jointly support and contribute towards this national major event.

Deaf Sports Australia and the Games Organising Committee would like to thank the following for their great support and commitment for the Games:

• Destination NSW / NSW Government
• City of Newcastle and City of Lake Macquarie

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser  is counting down the days and can’t wait to welcome all the competitors, their families and supporters to the Hunter. 

“We’re so thrilled to be getting this event off the ground and to now be staging an international competition is even more prestigous. Our region is renowned for hosting major events and sporting showcases, and I know our community will embrace this celebration of sport.”

“It’s truly wonderful that we can host the 2024 Australian Deaf Games in Lake Macquarie City. I can’t wait for the games to kick off and I’m looking forward to seeing all the competitors and supporters this time next year.”

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says she is looking forward to welcoming the athletes, coaches, officials and supporters to Newcastle in 2024, so they can experience the diverse natural attractions, world-class facilities and rich culture the city has to offer.

“Newcastle has become a world-class, events destination of choice, playing host to a long list of nationally and internationally significant tournaments and festivals including the World Surfing League’s Rip Curl Newcastle Cup, SAANZAR Rugby Championship and Supercars Newcastle 500,” Cr Nelmes said.

“It’s been wonderful to work collaboratively with Lake Macquarie City Council, the NSW Government and the great team at Destination NSW on securing the Australian Deaf Games, which will be fantastic not only for the competitors and the region’s sports lovers, but also for its potential flow-on effects for our visitor economy during the event and through future tourism.

“Ongoing investment in events and tourism is integral to building a thriving, diverse and robust economy, and we look forward to playing host with Lake Macquarie City Council to the Australian Deaf Games next year.”

The Games Organising Committee has and is continuing to discuss plans and work with both Councils to ensure they deliver the best Games ever, utilizing the excellent sporting venues and facilities that both Lake Macquarie and Newcastle have to offer.

Phil Harper, Deaf Sports Australia General Manager commented that “with the move to 2024, the Deaf and hard of hearing communities are itching to get back into national competitions. There is still much to do as this will be the first time we will gather since 2018 and we look forward to achieving a Games to remember.” 

For more information about the 2024 Australian Deaf Games, please email your enquiry to ADG.Info@deafsports.org.au or visit the website: www.austdeafgames.org.au.

 ENDS