Deaf Sports Australia and the 2026 Australian Deaf Games Organising Committee are pleased and excited to announce that the 2026 Games Ambassadors are Jamie Howell and Tegan Blanch

They have been appointed because of their strong background in sport and deaf sports, achievements, and community respect as members of the Queensland and Australian Deaf community.

2026 Australian Deaf Games Organising Committee Chair Kathryn Armfield said “The Ambassadors’ shared vision and resilience are what unites us all and drives us forward. Their dedication to the 2026 Australian Deaf Games is inspiring and a testament to their incredible sporting journey. Let us all celebrate with the same spirit, passion, and enjoyment of the Games.”

Their key duties will include:

• Attending the 2026 Australian Deaf Games and related events in the build-up to the Games.
• Present honoraria and awards at the 2026 Australian Deaf Games such as medal ceremonies and speak at the Games opening ceremony.
• Have a presence on the 2026 Australian Deaf Games website and resource development including educational videos.
• Represent 2026 Australian Deaf Games GOC and Deaf Sport Australia along with Board / staff at important invited external events.
• Assist GOC and DSA with promoting the Games to our deaf and hard of hearing Australian community as well as the wider community

For further information on our Games Ambassadors please go to https://austdeafgames.org.au/games-ambassadors

For further information please contact Games Manager – Garry West-Bail – garry.west-bail@deafsorts.org.au

Today marks the one-year countdown to the 2026 Australian Deaf Games (ADG), set to take place on the Sunshine Coast from 4–11 July 2026.

More than 1,200 athletes, officials, volunteers, and visitors from across Australia will converge to compete in 16 medal sports and four demonstration events along with an extensive social program that will see events, tours, visits, and gatherings located throughout the Sunshine Coast region.

Tim Mander MP Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games said the Australian Deaf Games are a celebration of sport, community, and ambition, bringing together Deaf and hard of hearing Australians in a multi-sport environment where every participant can compete at the level they aspire to.”

“We want to ensure Queensland remains the sporting powerhouse of Australia. The Deaf Games reflect our commitment to showcasing world-class sporting experiences across the state and ensuring every region plays a role in our Olympic and Paralympic journey.”

Sunshine Coast Economy Portfolio Councillor Joe Natoli said the 2026 Australian Deaf Games would be a defining moment for our region—an opportunity to celebrate diversity, showcase our inclusive spirit, and welcome athletes and supporters from across Australia and the Pacific.

“The Sunshine Coast is proud to be a place where everyone belongs, and I know our community will rally behind this incredible event, Cr Natoli said.”

Deaf Connect Chief Executive Officer Brett Casey said the Australian Deaf Games provide a vital Deaf space for Deaf Australians to strengthen community connections and celebrate Deaf culture.

“As Principal Sponsor of the Australian Deaf Games for the second consecutive time, we’re proud to be part of this incredible event once again. Deaf spaces like the ADG help grow the Deaf ecosystem by giving both first-time competitors and experienced athletes the opportunity to belong, to represent, and to shine.

“Building stronger connections within the Deaf community is something Deaf Connect is deeply committed to. With just one year to go, we look forward to seeing the spirit our community will bring to the Sunshine Coast in 2026.”

Chairperson Kathryn Armfield will lead the 2026 ADG Games Organising Committee (GOC), supported by a skilled and passionate team. With only the Sport Coordinator role yet to be filled, the committee is well-positioned to deliver a Games that celebrates community, accessibility, and excellence.

• Debbie Kennewell – Registration Coordinator
• Llewellyn Jones – Social Coordinator – supported by Kylie Ward
• Dr. Monique Beedles – Transport and Logistics Coordinator
• Sara–Jane Seery – Volunteer Coordinator – supported by Leanne Watts
• Susan Gosses – Interpreter coordinator
• Sally Strobridge – Ceremonies coordinator
• Bec Prideaux – Communication coordinator
• Sport coordinator – currently vacant

Kathryn Armfield said “the 2026 Australian Deaf Games Organising Committee was working together with Sunshine Coast Council and Deaf Sports Recreation Queensland to achieve the best games ever.

“The Committee extend their sincere thanks to the many local service partners whose commitment and collaboration are vital to the success of the Games. “And I look forward to seeing everyone at the Games in one years’ time.”

Deaf Sports Australia General Manager Phil Harper confirmed the following sport venues for the Games:

• Caloundra Golf Club – Golf
• Caloundra Indoor Stadium – Basketball, Futsal, Netball, Table Tennis and Opening Ceremony
• Integrated Athletics – CrossFit
• Mooloolaba Beach – Beach Volleyball and Surfing
• Mooloolaba Bowls Club – Lawn Bowls, Darts and secondary Games Hub
• Mountain Creek Swim Club – Swimming
• Sunshine Coast Indoor Sports Centre – Indoor Cricket
• Sunshine Coast Cue Sports Association – Eight ball
• Sunshine Coast Regional Tennis Centre – Tennis
• Sunshine Coast Recreation Precinct – Currumundi – Chess, Pickleball
• Sunshine Coast Stadium Precinct – Rugby 7’s, Football, Touch Football
• Kings Beach Amphitheatre – Closing Ceremony

Mr. Harper said ‘we are excited to be working with the Sunshine Coast Council and the Caloundra Library on an opportunity to provide a National Deaf Exhibition curated by the Deaf Connect team, showcasing wonderful aspects of our Australian Deaf community diversity and history. This includes sport at the Caloundra Library – a broader extension of our first exhibition at the Newcastle Library during the 2024 Australian Deaf Games – you can still see examples of the 2024 exhibition here – https://deafsports.org.au/deaf-sport-history/.”

“Volunteers are vital to delivering a safe, fun, and seamless event. More than 100 volunteers have already registered. More are welcome!” Mr Harper said.