Healthy Deaf Minds London April 2024

We will have deaf presenters to talk about thier experiences of physical wellbeing through exercises.

Speakers:

1. Ola Postawa: Swimming

Former Deaflympics swimmer representing Poland in both butterfly and freestyle events. Transitioned from competitive swimming to pursue academic endeavors but maintains a fervent passion for sports. Engages in swimming, running, and fitness activities to stay active and healthy. Balances multiple roles including advocacy, Deaf interpreter, teacher, coaching, and equipment officer, showcasing diverse skills. Firm believer in the therapeutic benefits of swimming and committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle through nutrition and exercise.

2. Martin Glover: Cycling

Post-pandemic, Martin set up Sign Cycle London, organising weekly social rides on Sundays in North East London during 2021/22. The initiative was highly successful until, due to his increasing workload, Martin handed over the organisation of the group, which unfortunately quickly collapsed. Now, Martin is keen to kickstart the group again, leveraging an existing Facebook group to encourage members to share in the planning. The group provided a fantastic opportunity for exercise, socialising, and sightseeing, all rolled into one!

3. Louise Saunders: Parkrun

In the week, Louise spends her daytime working with international consultants focusing on improving access to education of deaf children. In the evenings, she runs the online sessions to British parents of deaf child ensuring they are given rich information in supporting their deaf child. This leaves the weekend free which means Parkruns. Louise will explain more about Parkruns as she achieved milestone recently of 100 parkruns and completed the alphabet challenge minus ‘X’. Come and find out more about Parkruns and what support are there for deaf community.

4. James Townsend: Pickleball

James started his pickleball journey in May 2023 when he attended a pickleball taster event for deaf people. Since then, he has been totally hooked! He loves that pickleball is a true community sport, holding the spirit of inclusivity at its heart, encouraging players from all ages, backgrounds and levels of fitness.

James is the liaison officer for the Deaf Pickleball Action Group. The purpose of this group is to promote the sport to the Deaf Community, whilst also creating greater deaf awareness within the wider sport regarding the access needs and inclusivity of deaf people

5. Alex Cranwell: Rambling

Alex, alongside a co-founder, established the Deaf Rambling Group in 1996. Since then, Alex has been actively involved, participating in 272 walks to date. Alex authored and compiled the book ‘History of 200 Walks’ in 2015 to commemorate the group’s 200th walk in Elstree. Additionally, Alex has played a crucial role in organizing walks in the Czech Republic and Latvia, as well as several extended trips within the country.

6. Ross: Table Tennis

As always, we are really looking forward to see old faces and of course new faces. Hearies are welcome but please notice that there will be no VoiceOver.

Do come 6.15pm for 6.30 pm prompt start and will have a refreshment break in between.