Newcastle law firm, SWS Lawyers will support the Australian Deaf Games, to be held in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie in early January 2024.
The Games will take place from 13 to 20 January 2024, having been postponed from April 2022 because of the disruption and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and its accompanying lockdowns and travel restrictions.
With those disruptions now in the past, the Games will see athletes from Australia, New Zealand and several Pacific Islands converge on Newcastle and Lake Macquarie to participate in 18 sports, ranging from basketball to touch football to swimming and athletics at a range of venues across the two cities.
There will also be a significant social and cultural program, including the exhibition, Deaf Sport, Deaf Community and Deaf Culture, a collaboration between Deaf Sports Australia, Newcastle Libraries and Deaf Connect currently showing at the Lovett Gallery at Newcastle Library.
The Games are expected to bring thousands of visitors to the region, including competitors, coaches and support staff, officials, and supporters.
SWS Lawyers have been providing ‘sponsorship in kind’ for the Australian Deaf Games since late 2018.
SWS Lawyers Principal, Richard Suters (who has led a small team of lawyers providing pro bono legal services to the Games organisers) said they are thrilled to help support the games and bring attention to the event in their local city.
“We are very pleased to be able to support Deaf Sports Australia to bring the Australian Deaf Games to Newcastle and Lake Macquarie,” Richard said.
“The firm is very proud to be associated with the Games and Deaf Sports Australia, as it continues working with the deaf and hard of hearing community promoting the health and social benefits of participation in all levels of sport.
“After having to postpone the Games, it is a testament to the resilience of all parties involved that the Games will be ready to kick off in the new year. We are looking forward to welcoming the athletes and their supporters and showcasing our cities during this exciting event.”
Deaf Sports Australia Project Manager, Garry West-Bail said the support of sponsors such as SWS Lawyers will allow them to put on a successful Games despite the challenges they’ve faced in recent years.
“We are all anticipating a very successful Games. We appreciate the support of the SWS Lawyers, who along with the other Games sponsors, have helped make this happen,” Garry said.
“SWS assisted us to set up our original agreements with venues and sponsors and provided advice to help us navigate the challenges of the disruption and eventual postponement from 2022.”
The opening ceremony for the Games will take place at NEX on Saturday, 13 January and events will run at various venues around Newcastle and Lake Macquarie through until the closing ceremony at Speers Point Park on January 20.
Further information about the games can be found at the Games website.
IMAGE | Opening Ceremony shot from previous Australian Deaf Games.
