Games Ambassadors

JAMIE HOWELL

I was born with a profound bilateral hearing loss. After finishing school, I completed a Bachelor of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, followed by a Masters of Learning and Teaching (Primary). I now work as a primary school teacher in a bilingual bicultural classroom, supporting deaf and hard of hearing students alongside their hearing peers.

Outside of the classroom, I’m passionate about sport. I’ve played sport my whole life and I’ve been fortunate to achieve some incredible milestones along the way.

Some of my key achievements include:

Winning gold (Long Jump), silver (100m), and bronze (200m) at the 2015 Asia-Pacific Deaf Games in Taiwan at age 17
Representing Australia in Long Jump and 200m at the 2017 Deaflympics in Turkey at age 19
Representing Australia in Deaf Touch Football and Deaf Rugby
Playing for the Yeronga Devils in the QAFLW and being named in the QAFLW Squad of the Year in 2024
Winning the Yeronga Devils’ Best and Fairest Award in 2024
Serving as the 2021 AFLW Premiership Cup Ambassador, presenting the cup at the Grand Final at Adelaide Oval
Holding the Australian Deaf Women’s Long Jump record, as well as several junior state and national record.
Competing at the Torian Pro CrossFit Championships in the Female Pairs division in 2025
Most recently, I’ve been selected to represent Australia in Long Jump at the upcoming Deaflympics in Japan.

My first Australian Deaf Games experience was in Geelong in 2012, when I was 13. It was an incredible experience, and I’ve been involved in nearly every Deaf Games since. I’m incredibly excited to attend the ADG in my home state next year!

TEGAN BLANCH

I am a proud GUMBAYNGGIRR woman from Koori Country (NSW).

I am honoured to be part of the organising team for Australia Deaf Games (ADG) 2026 this July.

Sport has always been a big part of my life. I grew up playing many different sports, inspired by my strong family connections to both state and Olympic-level competition. My family has been incredible role models for me, and they’ve shaped my passion and dedication to sport.

I’ve been proudly involved both hearing and deaf sporting communities, representing at the state level, the Australia Deaf Games, the Deaflympics, and World Deaf Sports events. It’s a privilege to bring that experience into my work with ADG 2026 and to help create opportunities for the next generation of athletes.

CAINE BATTEN

I am proud Deaf athlete, and I am very honoured to be a part of the Australia Deaf Games (ADG) in 2026 as a Games Ambassador

I have played many different sports since I was very young and enjoyed it all including athletics’ – long distance running, soccer, rugby, and cricket. I have been focusing more on running in the marathon in the last few years.

My ADG journey started when I was 16-year-old, being selected to play in the QLD Deaf cricket team at my 1^stADG in Perth, 2001. Since then, the ADG has been an amazing and unforgettable experience from meeting new people, enjoying the sports, seeing us all come together and celebrating our Deaf culture.

I am proud to have represented both individually and teams in multiple sports over the many years in most 0f the Australia Deaf Games. I have completed in open competitions as athlete and sports at all levels including international.

Some major involvement and achievements:

Won sportsmanship of the year award, in senior year at high school, 2003
Representing Australia in the Deaflympic in 2005, 2009 as Orienteering
Representing Australia in the Deaf Rugby – Japan and NZ trips in 2010s
QLD Cyclones team- Orienteering, 2007 to 2009
QLD Deaf football (Soccer) since 2000
Completed many Marathons in Brisbane and Gold Coast- Since 2023, ongoing.
Broke half marathon national Deaf male record- Noosa, 2025
Selected to represent Australia in the Deaflympics-November 2025 in Japan

It is my hope to encourage and support all to participate in sports, making new friends, go to Deaf events like Australia Deaf Games and to inspire all the young Deaf youth that “Deaf can achieve anything”.