Published on: 8th July 2025
The countdown is officially on. There’s now just one year to go until the Australian Deaf Games return in 2026!
As the Principal Games Sponsor for the second consecutive time, Deaf Connect was proud to be part of the official launch event marking this milestone. The celebration took place on the Sunshine Coast on Friday 4 July – the very place where athletes, families, and supporters will gather next year for this incredible event.
Deaf Connect CEO Brett Casey joined Australian Deaf Games representatives, members of the Sunshine Coast Deaf community, and key partners including the Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council to reflect on what this means for our community.
In 2026, more than 1,000 participants from across Australia and the Pacific will come together in Queensland to compete in over 20 sports. Deaf athletes are already preparing, training, and dreaming big. The Games are shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of sport, identity, and community spirit.
But the Australian Deaf Games are about so much more than competition. They are a true Deaf space – a place where culture, pride, and connection are front and centre.
Deaf Connect’s recent Deaf Space Roadshow showed us just how important events like ADG are. They bring people together, create a sense of belonging, and highlight the strength and resilience of the Deaf ecosystem.
If you’re thinking about coming along, now’s the time to start planning.
Register, get involved, and join us in 2026!
