GAP SUPPORT AUSTRALIAN DEAFLYMPIC FOOTBALL TEAM

As the Australian Women’s Deaf Football Team prepares to fly to Japan on Tuesday to represent the nation at the 25th Summer Deaflympics, 16-year-old footballer Mikaylah DeGennaro is taking a moment to reflect on the team behind the team, including an unexpected supporter: Greyhounds as Pets NSW (GAPNSW).

Mikaylah, who was born profoundly deaf and wears bilateral cochlear implants, is one of the youngest athletes in Australia’s Deaflympics delegation. A fierce competitor and rising football talent, she will represent her country on the world stage in Tokyo from 15th to 26th November, joining over 3,000 athletes from more than 70 nations competing across 21 sports.

The Deaflympics - celebrating their 100th anniversary this year - are the pinnacle of deaf sport, where athletes compete under strict eligibility standards that ensure a level playing field by prohibiting hearing aids or cochlear implants during competition.

The Australian team is a legitimate medal chance in Japan, and are looking to become the first Australian football team – men or women - to win a medal at an International Olympic Committee sanctioned event.

“This journey has taken belief, resilience, and so much support,” says Mikaylah.

“Greyhounds as Pets NSW believed in me and my team when we needed support. Their contribution hasn’t just made this trip possible, it’s helped us feel seen.”

The partnership between GAPNSW and Mikaylah began earlier this year, when the not-for-profit organisation, which rehomes retired racing greyhounds across NSW, sponsored Mikaylah to help cover the cost of her training, travel and tournament preparation.

But the connection runs deeper than funding. Mikaylah is now an official Ambassador for GAPNSW, appearing at adoption events, promoting greyhounds as gentle family pets, and helping to tell a story of inclusion and opportunity, both on and off the field.

“Mikaylah is an extraordinary role model,” said Mark Slater, Chief Welfare Office GAP NSW.

“Her story reflects everything we stand for: optimism, inclusion, resilience, grace, and the power of being given a chance to shine. Supporting her journey to the Deaflympics was a natural fit.”

Mikaylah' parents, Corry and Sue, are incredibly proud as they prepare to watch her perform on the world stage. 'Mikaylah has never complained about her deafness, nor has it ever held her back from the sport she loves or achieving anything in life' they said.

Mikaylah trained alongside the full women’s national deaf squad today in Sydney ahead of their departure, with two greyhounds on hand for cuddles and support, highlighting the shared theme of quiet strength and companionship.

The Australian Women’s Deaf Football Team, governed by Deaf Football Australia (DFA), is preparing to compete against teams from around the world in one of the most high-profile tournaments of its kind. Earlier this year, the team toured the United States in their first international campaign in 20 years, reinforcing their growing presence on the global stage.

“We may not be the biggest team or the most well-known, but we’re proud, we’re ready, and we’re playing for every kid who thought being deaf meant they couldn’t go this far,” said Mikaylah.

The team commence the tournament with a clash with Great Britain on November 15, followed by a match against powerhouse, the USA on November 19, they then play host nation Japan in November 21.

GAPNSW will be following Mikaylah’s journey closely and sharing regular updates across their social channels throughout the Deaflympics.

You can follow Mikaylah and the team’s progress at the Deaflympics through their YouTube channel.