Soccer star says Go for Gold

SOCCER superstar Steven Gerrard is encouraging deaf, deafened and hard of hearing children to “Go for Gold” this summer.
Young people affected by hearing loss will play a pivotal role in launching “Deafinitely Gold”, which has been created by charity group Deafness Support Network (DSN), which has a centre in Warrington.
The project aims to help socially excluded deaf children and young people participate in sports alongside their hearing peers and at the same time build their confidence and skills.
The initiative has been backed by the Steven Gerrard Foundation, which was set up by the Liverpool and England midfielder last year.
As well as encouraging young people to get involved and share their love of sport together the father-of-three hopes to also raise awareness of the importance of hearing checks among young people across the county.
Steven Gerrard (pictured) said: “Young people don’t fully realise the risks they run of serious hearing loss and even deafness later in life. I’m keen to support the campaign by Deafness Support Network and hope it will encourage young people to take simple steps that can help them avoid permanent damage.”
DSN chief executive, Bob Birchall, said: “To have such high-profile sports people onboard will be a major boost for the young people affected by hearing loss.
“With his leading role in sport we hope that his strong message will help to break down barriers and get young people involved in every element of sport both now and in the future.”
Off the back of the Olympics and Paralympics this summer, DSN will also roll out the “Deafinitely Gold” project forward to the Deaflympics next year.