Deaf National Swimming Team Arrives in Samsun, Turkey for the 23rd Summer Deaflympics
The Deaflympics are an International Olympic Committee (IOC) sanctioned event at which deaf athletes compete at an elite level. The first Summer Deaflympics was held in Paris, France in 1924.
Canada’s Deaf National Swimming Team of Joshua Baerg, Jacob Blackburn, Vedaveta Ghanekar, Damiano Panetta, Brandon Van Wyk and Selena Zou will begin competition on July 20, 2017 in the resort town of Samsun in northern Turkey.
Led by veterans Baerg (a breastroke finalist at the 2015 World Deaf Swimming Championships), Van Wyk and Panetta, the team is joined by rookies Blackburn, Ghanekar and Zou. This competition will also mark the Canadian international debut in the mixed relay category.
“We have a good mix of veterans and rookies representing Canada at this competition” said Deaf National Team Coach Judy Baker. “We are especially excited to have 2 young women competing for Canada at this Games.”
Coach Baker expects to see tremendous improvement, especially from her rookie athletes. “Our veterans know what it takes to make finals and our rookies are ready to take on the international stage”. The Team was able to work together at their first ever training camp held outside competition held earlier in the year. “It was a tremendous opportunity for the Team to bond and make the final preparations necessary for the Deaflympics”, said Baker.
Follow the competition and results at:
Facebook: Deaf Swimming Canada
Twitter: @DeafSwimCanada
