The Summer Deaflympics: Tokyo (15th - 26th November 2025)

31 Oct

The Deaflymics celebrates it’s 100th Anniversary this year!!

What is the Deaflympics?

Recognised by the international Olympic Committee, The Deaflympics, also known as Deaflympiad (previously called World Games for the Deaf, and International Games for the Deaf) are a periodic series of multi-sport events sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at which deaf athletes compete at an elite level. Unlike the athletes in other IOC-sanctioned events (the Olympics, the Paralympics, and the Special Olympics), athletes cannot be guided by sounds (such as starting pistols, bullhorn commands or referee whistles).[2] The games have been organized by the Comité International des Sports des Sourds (CISS, "The International Committee of Sports for the Deaf") since the first event in 1924.

Sounds fantastic! Where can I watch and support the athletes?

This year the games we be held in Japan for the first time! The Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics will take place between 15-26 November where Athletes from all around the world will compete in sports events such as athletics, football, golf, swimming, cycling, shooting and tennis.

…And if I cant make it to Tokyo?

Whilst here are no current official sources for watching the live action (unlike the Olympics and paralympics, the Deaflympics generally does not have dedicated live TV broadcast coverage on major free-to-air channels in the uk.) Happily, there are a variety of places where you will be able to find content for the Deaflympics including:

The International Committee of Sports for the deaf (ICSD) and the official Deaflympics website often provide live streams of events on their website or official YouTube channel.
UK Deaf Sport (DeaflympicsGB): UK Deaf Spot, is the body responsible for team GB at the Deaflympics. Check their official website and social media channels for links to live streams, results and highlights
LumoTV (formerly BSL Zone), the specialist commissioning body for content that highlights the deaf and sign language communities, sometimes produce documentaries, interviews and highlights about the paralympics and deaf sports, which can be found on their website.
A show called ‘See Hear’ on BBC Two has historically covered the event. (Sometimes BBC iplayer has shown featured documentaries, interviews and highlights.)
Search YouTube for official Deaflympics channels and well as TNT sports and Channel 4 sport, who sometimes feature short segments or videos about the deaflympics and deaf athletes.

How to Donate to Deaflympics GB

Unlike the Olympics and Paralympics, their is generally little to no funding available for the Deaflympic Athletes. This means that Deaflymipcs athletes often have to self-fund their training, travel, equipment and coaching. As a result, they frequently rely on thier own private fundraising and sponsorship. If you would like to donate to the Deaflympic GB athletes you can do so here.