Thank you Adelaide!

The 2016 Australian Deaf Games saw well over 1,000 Deaf and hard of hearing athletes, spectators, officials, volunteers and visitors from all over Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Vanuatu converge on the vibrant city of Adelaide for the biggest Deaf Event in South Australia’s history. 

They came from far and wide, not only to compete, achieve and excel in their chosen sport and celebrate their community and culture, but also to see the sights of South Australia and experience Adelaide’s unique attractions.

The widely promoted “fun week of festivities” and “unique Adelaide experience” certainly lived up to expectations, with participants immersing themselves in both the Event and the environs, and creating a truly great Australian Deaf Games. This was demonstrated, not only by the intensity of the sporting competitions and the enthusiasm of the spectators, but also by the spirit of sporting and social camaraderie that surrounded the entire Event.

Whilst all participants will have subjective “highlights” and memories of what was significant from each of their own perspectives, the Adelaide Games can certainly boast a number of objective “firsts” and some amazing occasions that would probably figure in almost everyone’s list of 2016 ADG highlights!

The following are of particular note: 

• The SA Government’s generous gift to athletes, registered visitors and volunteers of FREE PUBLIC TRANSPORT across the entire Adelaide Metropolitan area for the duration of the Games 

• Access to the ADELAIDE AIRPORT INFORMTION BOOTH for 2016 ADG use over the twoDweek Games period, and the generous assistance given by Adelaide Airport staff in setting up the Booth and promulgating Games information to Airport service providers

• Use of the worldDclass NETBALL SA STADIUM for the Opening/Closing Ceremonies, VIP Function and netball, mixed netball and futsal competitions, the efficiency, flexibility and supportiveness of Stadium staff and the substantial discounts given on standard Stadium hire charges 

• The success of the ADELAIDE HIGH SCHOOL GAMES HUB, and the contribution made by AHS staff to bringing the Hub from concept to reality 

• The biggest FIJI TEAM ever to grace the Australian Deaf Games, with thirty (30) Deaf athletes (more than twice the number that attended the 2012 ADG) making the long trek to Adelaide to compete in a wide range of sports including rugby 7s, touch football, netball, athletics and table tennis

• The 2016 ADG OPENING CEREMONY, which attracted a record number of Members of Parliament, concluded with a standing ovation and was widely acknowledged as one of the best ever

• The TOTAL NUMBER OF SPORTS & SPORTS “FIRSTS”, with fifteen (15) official 2016 ADG Cup sports, and rugby 7s, touch football and mixed netball played as official 2016 ADG Cup sport competitions for the first time

• The amazing role played by the OLD COLLEGIANS RUGBY UNION CLUB in the staging and success of the 2016 ADG rugby 7s competition, with the Club strongly supporting the Games organisers’ last ditch efforts to make the competition a reality, committing their venue, facilitating access to requisite resources and enthusiastically promoting the event

• The TOUCH FOOTBALL SILENT SPORTS CHALLENGE played in conjunction with the touch football finals – another “first” for the 2016 Australian Deaf Games

• The use of a large team of VOLUNTEER PHOTOGRAPHERS, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all sporting, social/cultural program and informal social events as well as providing opportunities for a range of professional and talented amateur photographers to contribute to the Games

• The RECORD NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS attracted to the 2016 ADG, with more than 150 people from all over Australia and overseas travelling to Adelaide to help make the Games a success

• The participation of the SA BHUTANESE DEAF COMMUNITY in the 2016 ADG, with Deaf Community & Sports SA providing opportunities for up to thirty (30) Bhutanese Community members to attend various Games events

Thank you to all who participated at the Games>

See you at Albury Wodonga in 2018!

cheers,

Johanna Plante, 2016 ADG Chairperson