Help Ellie Graham get to Tokyo Deaflympics 2025 Please

Thanks for landing on my Crowdfunding page , let me tell you my story and my goal to the 2025 Deaflympics hosted in Tokyo..

I’m Ellie Graham , I’m 16 years old a competitive deaf swimmer (Classification S15 ). I’ve been swimming competitively since I was 9 years old and this year I’m incredibly proud to have been selected to represent Great Britain at the Deaflympics, swimming the 50,100 and 200 M Breaststroke- entering as the fastest female In the 50M event for team GB !

My home Swimming Club is Worcester SC where I train regularly, plus I’m a member of the GB Deaf Swimming Club . When I’m not training with Worcester, I work with SwimGainz who sponsor me as an athlete and provide specialist one-to-one coaching on my swim technique.

This year marks the 100th year anniversary of the Deaflympics, and elite deaf athletes from around the world will come together for 12 days of world-class sports competition - which I’d love to be a part of and that’s where I need your help ! Unfortunately , elite deaf athletes don’t receive and Government or lottery funding ( unlike Olympic or Paralympic athletes) . This means myself and my teammates have to raise funds ourselves to cover all the costs of competing internationally- competition fees , travel , food , kit , coaches , physio , accommodation etc . For context , the Uk government has allocated £344 million to support athletes in preparation for the LA games . This does not include the immense funding given by the national Lottery. Deaflympics GB receive Nothing …

Uk Deaf Sport and GB Deaf Swimming are working hard to fundraise . In addition, myself and my teammates are also trying to raise funds and the profile of deaf sport to help athletes get recognition and support they deserve .

I’d love future generations of deaf children to aspire to become a Deaflympians . To have hope that when they stand on the block or track , or compete in their first competition, that they too can dream of competing in the Deaflympics one day .

If you can offer any support in funding my training , preparations and costs with getting to Tokyo this November I’d be incredibly grateful. Please know that your support would not only be a huge catalyst in my future as an elite deaf athlete but would also help support and inspire future deaf athletes.

Thank you again for taking the time to read this , hoping I can make the podium for all my supporters!

Ellie ❤️x