18
Jul
Breaking News
Geckos SOS: Australian deaf team needs $25,000
The Australian Geckos women's basketball team. Photo: https://www.deafbasketballaustralia.org.au/geckos
Australian Geckos need financial support to compete at the 2025 Tokyo Deaflympics in November
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"I want girls and women to know they can do it too” — these are the words of Australian Geckos basketball player and Year 12 student Molly O’Callaghan.
But without funding, the Australia’s Deaf Women’s Basketball Team is in danger of not being able to compete at the 2025 Tokyo Deaflympics in November.
"I’m so lucky I’m able to play basketball for my club, the Ivanhoe Knights, and my school," O’Callaghan added.
"Being a part of the Geckos provides a different type of community and support that isn’t necessarily front of mind for others.
"I never thought I’d have the opportunity as someone who is hard of hearing to represent Australia.
The Geckos have qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 15 years but the team urgently needs money to cover flights, accommodation, uniforms and staff support.
Donate To The Geckos GoFundMe To Get Them To Tokyo
Australian basketball legend Michele Timms has added her support in a bid to secure funding.
"What the Geckos have achieved is a testament to the inclusivity and strength of Australian basketball," Timms said.
"Basketball is riding a phenomenal wave around the world and this is the Geckos’ chance to show Australia what they’ve got."
Geckos head coach Deb Coulson said the pressure to secure funding was building but the squad was determined to be ready.
"The runway to Tokyo Deaflympics is incredibly tight," Coulson said.
"We’re hosting regular training camps here in Melbourne with all the wrap-around support like strength and conditioning and training programs.
"They’re here and they’re ready. I would be utterly heartbroken if they’re unable to fulfil this dream.”
Geckos Captain Sally Faerhmann said: "We’re so proud and excited to qualify for the Deaflympics, but it’s more than just our sporting efforts on the court.
"We want to inspire the deaf and hard of hearing community around Australia of the opportunities to represent your country playing a sport you love — that basketball can be for everyone.”
The Geckos formed in 1982 and won a medal at the 1985 Deaflympics in Los Angeles, California.
Their next training camp will be held on July 19 and 20, 2025 in Melbourne.
If you can help, contact media manager Adelaide Haynes at adelaide@akinagency.com.au
