Deaf News: Reports of “chaos” and “dire” conditions for DeaflympicsGB athletes in Turkey

We have been receiving reports of “dire” facilities and “chaos” affecting British athletes at the 2017 Deaflympics in Samsun, Turkey, with athletes’ morale being affected.

These problems are affecting athletes who have had to battle to raise the money required to attend the games in the first place.

Some of the complaints have reached social media, along with photos and videos (see below).

Among the stories we are hearing is that:

• The Deaflympic villages allegedly differ markedly, with Village 1 offering “Olympic level” facilities and services, but Village 2 being more “like a school canteen.”
• Athletes have allegedly been queuing up to two hours for food at Village 2
• A number of countries including Great Britain have complained about the facilities, but they feel that nothing has been done
• DeaflympicsGB athletes have allegedly suffered long transport delays, with buses said to be up to two hours late to take them to events

There are a number of Tweets and images available online:

Complete chaos @Deaflympics2017 #Deaflympics2017, @DeaflympicsGB @GB_DeafFootball are competing & waiting an hour whilst TUR bus sits empty pic.twitter.com/pLyhMHu2L6

— Piers Martin (@piers_martin) July 20, 2017

Waiting 45mins for bus for @GB_DeafFootball women to get to match 5 buses here all for #Turkey! #deaflympics2017 pic.twitter.com/GvT2I32BG9

— (((Ruth Peaker))) (@rj_peaks) July 20, 2017

We have tried to go down the correct paths & work with @Deaflympics2017 behind the scenes but some of the logistics are very disappointing https://t.co/7sXXiftagj

— DeaflympicsGB (@DeaflympicsGB) July 20, 2017

Athletes’ duty of care and wellbeing must always come first. This needs resolving – pretty fast. https://t.co/wkRzJiAhcD

— Craig Crowley MBE (@CEOActionDeafns) July 20, 2017

In more positive news, Britain has won its first medal of the Games:

First medal for @DeaflympicsGB in Turkey from our fantastic swimmers. 🏊‍♀️🏊👍🥉🇬🇧bronze to our mixed 4 x100 f/s relay. #proud club

— GBDSC (@gbdeafswimming) July 20, 2017