Daughter of By the Bridge foster parents competes in Deaflympics, (GB Deaf Women’s Football Team) Taipei 2009
Hi By the Bridge
Just an email to say a massive thank you for sponsoring me for the Deaflympics, Taipei 2009. It was absolutely fantastic and the standard could easily match the normal Olympics. Unfortunately we finished 4th after just missing out of the final, we played USA in the semis and we were actually the only team to score against USA out of the whole tournament. USA even said we were their strongest opponents which is a massive boost to us. We then went onto the Bronze medal match losing 1-0 to a controversial goal. However it was an experience to remember.
I was named in the starting 11 for our first group match which we won 6-1, so I have made a great improvement in myself to make the starting 11.
Now we are preparing for the European Championships 2011 in Bulgaria, World Deaf Football Championships 2012 in Turkey and the Deaflympics 2013 in Athens. Once again we will have to fundraise as the government hasn’t given us any funding, so disappointment yet again on behalf of the Government.
Just before the Deaflympics, we featured in the Umbro International Tournament in Manchester which we went on to win. I played nearly every match which was great as we had 20 players there.
I have included some pictures which will show just how amazing it was.
Of course all this couldn’t be possible without your sponsorship so thanks very much.
Thanks
Claire Stancliffe - Member of GB Deaf Women’s Football team and daughter of By the Bridge foster family, pictured back row fourth from right
