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LATEST NEWS - 15 June 2009
(Website & Public Statement on refusal of funding by UK Sport)
Latest update on UKDS Appeal against UK Sport’s refusal to fund GB Deaflympics
UK Deaf Sport has been disappointed by the decision made by the Sport Resolutions (UK) Panel and considers the following specific matters are the most important concerns.
a) There was no hearing. The Panel informed the parties that there would be no hearing and that this would be specifically dealt with in the decision. The reasons are to be found at paragraph 4 of the decision where it is stated that as there is no dispute of fact, there should be no hearing. UK Deaf Sport raises question on Rule 4.6 of the Appeal Rules of Procedure which states that an oral hearing may be considered when there is a need for legal argument and it was specifically on this basis that a request was made for a hearing by UK Deaf Sport. The Sport Resolutions (UK) Panel decision does not mention legal argument.
b) There was no analysis of the law and in particular, there was no analysis of the decision in Lewisham v. Malcolm. The whole complex legal argument was disposed of in 16 lines. Submissions raised by UK Deaf Sport were not noted and either rejected or accepted. UK Deaf Sport is now unable to know the extent to which its submissions were accurate and accepted. All that is known is that the Panel did not agree with the submission regarding who should be a comparator.
c) Following on from the comment in b) above, due to the lack of comment made in relation to the other issues raised (e.g. the matters raised in Part 2 of the Reply) UK Deaf Sport is now left to contemplate two courses of action namely judicial review of the decision and separate proceedings against UK Sport for disability discrimination.
Despite the outcome of the decision, UK Deaf Sport is determined that despite the actions of UK Sport and the Government in refusing to financially support the GB Deaflympic Team for Taipei in September 2009 in any way, GB Deaflympic Team will go ahead and participate in the 21st Summer Deaflympics in Taipei taking place in September 2009. UK Deaf Sport and all the athletes are now committed to raising the necessary funds by means of donations, loans and personal contributions.
Please support us by Donating to GB team for Taipei 2009 Deaflympic Games http://www.justgiving.com/greatbritaindeaflympicfund
Further statements will be posted as and when appropriate.
UK Deaf Sport Board of Trustees
15 June 2009
