Two years to go before Australian Deaf Games

From the 4th – 11th July 2026, the region will welcome over 1,200 athletes, officials, volunteers, as well as visitors from across the country to compete in 16 medal and 4 demonstration sports. The aim of the Australian Deaf Games is to provide a four yearly event that brings together Deaf and hard of hearing Australians in a multi-sport environment that enables all participants opportunities to compete to whatever level they aspire.

Deaf Sports Australia (DSA) and the Games Organising Committee would like to thank the following for their great support and commitment for the Games:

• Tourism and Events Queensland, the QLD Government’s tourism, and major events agency
• Sunshine Coast Council

Minister for Tourism and Sport, Michael Healy said:" We are thrilled to welcome the 2026 Australian Deaf Games to the beautiful Sunshine Coast. This event not only highlights the incredible talents and achievements of Deaf and hard of hearing athletes but also showcases Queensland as a premier destination for major sporting events. Our commitment to inclusivity and support for all athletes aligns perfectly with the spirit of these Games, and we look forward to a spectacular event in 2026."

Sunshine Coast Economy Portfolio Councillor Terry Landsberg said it was exciting to see local support already building, particularly with the Caloundra RSL coming on board as Principal Games Venue Sponsor.

“There are some real capacity building opportunities for all of our local businesses over the next 2 years,” Cr Landsberg said.

“This includes AUSLAN training to allow traders and their staff to be highly engaged with more than a thousand Deaf Games athletes expected to visit the Sunshine Coast in 2026.

“We hope this partnership helps to grow our region’s reputation as one of Queensland’s premier regions for inclusive events and promote accessible tourism to visitors ahead of us hosting the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

The Deaf Sports Australia board have recently confirmed the 2026 ADG Games Organising Committee. Chairperson Kathryn Armfield will be leading the Games Organising Committee (GOC) being supported by:

• Cameron Miller – Sport Coordinator
• Dr. Monique Beedles – Transport and Logistics Coordinator
• Sara–Jane Seery – Volunteer Coordinator

Still to be appointed are the interpreter coordinator and the ceremonies coordinator.

Ms Armfield shared that the 2026 Australian Deaf Games Organising Committee was working very hard along with Sunshine Coast Council and Deaf Sports Recreation Queensland to achieve together the best games ever.

“The Games will be held on the vibrant and picturesque Sunshine Coast utilising the region’s great sporting, recreational and social facilities and I look forward to seeing everyone at the Games in two years’ time,” Ms Armfield said.

Deaf Sports Australia and the Games Organising Committee are excited to announce that Deaf Connect has agreed to again be the events Principal Games Sponsor; a relationship and partnership that aims to support members of the Deaf and hard of hearing communities to achieve their goals, whether they be recreational, sport or well–being focused.

Deaf Connect CEO, Brett Casey says that the organisation is thrilled to again support the Australian Deaf Games as Principal Games Sponsor.

“The games are one of the largest events on the Deaf calendar, and spotlight Deaf space and community. The games give the strength to State organisations – empowering them to bring together their local communities and compete in a friendly but fierce competition”, Mr Casey says.

“We’re looking forward to seeing Deaf Sports take centre stage on the Sunshine Coast. The 2024 games were a triumph of Deaf community and spirit and 2026 will once again see the games unite community from across the nation.”

In addition, we are pleased and proud to confirm the Caloundra RSL has agreed to be the Principal Games Venue Sponsor – Caloundra RSL will be the Games Hub. The Games Hub will showcase a comprehensive Cultural/Social Program, a Deaf Community Expo, a social/recreation “hangout” and the usual Games Hub administrative facilities and services.

Graeme Devin General Manager of Caloundra RSL Services Club says “the Club is honoured to be partnering with the Australian Deaf Games in 2026. We are excited to be the Games Hub and wish both organisers and athletes a successful games in 2026”.

DSA General Manager Phil Harper said - “We were very excited with the announcement of the 2026 Games being on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. Already, wonderful preparation work is being done and the Deaf and hard of hearing Australian community is engaged. Bring it on."

DSA and the GOC would like to also thank local businesses JHK Legal and Print Ezy for their support and commitment as service partners to the Games.

Discussions are being currently finalised with the following sport venues for the Games:

• Caloundra Indoor Stadium - Basketball, Futsal, Netball and Opening Ceremony
• University of the Sunshine Coast - Athletics, Swimming
• Mooloolaba Beach - Beach Volleyball
• Elizabeth Daniels Cricket Fields - Cricket
• Sunshine Coast Cue Sports Association - Eight ball
• Sunshine Coast Regional Tennis Centre – Tennis
• Sunshine Coast Recreation Precinct – Currumundi - Chess, Rugby 7’s, Table Tennis, Football, Touch
• Football
• Mooloolaba Bowls Club - Lawn Bowls and secondary Games Hub
• Caloundra Golf Club - Golf
• Kings Beach Amphitheatre (Caloundra) - Closing Ceremony

The Australian Deaf Games started in 1964 and has been hosted all around Australia. The 2022 (postponed to January 2024) Australian Deaf Games were hosted in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie and were the 19th Australian Deaf Games to take place.

For more information go to the new live 2026 Australian Deaf Games website at – www.austdeafgames.org.au\