In celebration of the Deaflympics taking place in Tokyo this November, Maldwyn Dragons Gymnastics Club is set to host a vibrant and inclusive sports event for deaf children across Powys. Taking place on Monday, 10th November 2025, this inspiring day aims to bring together up to 160 deaf children from North and South Powys to experience a range of sporting activities including gymnastics, Zumba, and boxing.
Thanks to funding from the Access Gymnastics Grant, the club will be able to cover transportation costs, deliver inclusive, high-quality sessions, and provide all participants with certificates and promotional materials to commemorate the day.
Maldwyn Dragons has long been a champion of inclusivity in sport. The club not only welcomes deaf children into its regular programmes but has also previously employed a profoundly deaf ex-gymnast as a coach, whose leadership and lived experience helped shape a more accessible and understanding environment.
A key feature of the club’s inclusive practice is the Inspiro system, a specialised audio device that links directly to cochlear implants. This technology enables coaches to communicate clearly with deaf gymnasts, an innovation that Maldwyn Dragons secured funding for and implemented several years ago.
“Maldwyn Dragons has always had deaf children within its setting,” the club shared. “We are very excited to be part of this movement for greater inclusion in sport within the Deaf community.”
Children will be divided into teams representing different continents, bringing the global spirit of the Deaflympics to life. The morning will feature gymnastics sessions, followed by dance and boxing in the afternoon. Mini competitions will take place throughout the day, culminating in a winning “continent,” and all children will receive certificates of participation to celebrate their involvement.
Paula Hamer, Specialist HLTA for the Sensory Service in Powys schools, said:
“This is more than a sporting event, it’s a chance for deaf children, often isolated in mainstream schools, to meet others who share similar experiences. They’ll be able to build friendships and discover the joy of sport in a fully inclusive environment.”
This event is being delivered in collaboration with Sport Powys, UK Deaf Sport, Sport Wales, and Coleg Powys, whose sports students will support in delivering the sessions. It is being coordinated by Paula Hamer, alongside Libby Steele (Sport Wales), Becky Price (UKDS), and Elin Woozencraft (Sport Powys).
“We’re thrilled to be working together across education, sport, and community services to make this event a reality,” said Paula. “This is a powerful example of what inclusive sport can look like.”
Ultimately, the event aims to showcase that gymnastics and other sports are not only accessible to deaf children, but a space where they can thrive. By providing a positive, confidence-building experience and raising awareness throughout Mid Wales, Maldwyn Dragons hopes to spark long-term participation in sport among deaf children and their families.
The Deaflympics-inspired day promises to be a joyful, empowering celebration of inclusion, sport, and connection, leaving a lasting impact far beyond the gym floor.