Letchworth’s Alex Bush will be representing team GB at the Deaflympics in Turkey this summer, with support from the Heritage Foundation.
Having seen off strong competition to the make the squad, Alex finished her last training session at the weekend and flew out on Sunday. Team GB’s first match is today (18 July) against Poland.
“I feel honoured to be selected to play for Great Britain, it is a huge achievement and I am very lucky to have the opportunity,” commented Alex. “It is a huge event and everyone is very excited.”
Alex started her journey to the GB squad at her local football team, Letchworth Garden City Eagles. Aged six she joined the boys’ team, before joining the girls’ squad aged 10 and now plays for the ladies’ team.
Great Britain Deaf Football is self-funded, so Alex approached the Heritage Foundation for financial support earlier this year via our Be The Best grant programme. The Grants Committee were delighted to be able to support Alex and the grant has enabled her to join the squad in Turkey.
Alex added: “I am very grateful to have been given this grant, it has helped with funds for travel and equipment. Without the grant I would have struggled to have everything I need. Thank you very much!”
This year marks the 23rd Deaflympics event and will feature an array of sports from football to shooting. Last year the team came third in the Deaf World Cup, finishing just behind USA and Russia. If Team GB are to win gold this time, they will have to get past Russia as well as Brazil, China, Poland and the hosts Turkey.
To find out more, follow @DeaflympicsGB on Twitter or visit the website at www.deaflympics2017.org
