Deaf tournament proves a winner

GAME on . . . some of the deaf youngsters who took part in the event

MORE than 100 sports fans were part of a football tournament for the deaf.

Hard of hearing youngsters from Oldham took part in the Kick It Out campaign’s “One Game, One Community” week of action to promote community cohesion and tackle social exclusion.

Oldham Deaf Diverse Community and Rochdale Rhinos Deaf FC organised the tournament, which the Rhinos eventually won.

But the seven-a-side competition, held at Hopwood Hall College Sports Park in Rochdale, was also enjoyed by the hearing as well as the deaf.

Rhinos manager Dewan Choudhury said: “There was a lot of friendly banter between the hearing and deaf players throughout the day.

“The deaf lads showed a lot of skill and great teamwork in winning the tournament. They did the deaf community proud.”

Anyone deaf or hearing impaired who would like to get involved can contact Dewan Choudhury on 07980-041 772 or Anjum Raza (Oldham Deaf Diverse Community) on 07973-236 171.