My name is Rebekah Fraser and I am 16 years old. I was born with mild to moderate hearing loss that has slowly deteriorated so that I now have severe hearing loss. Because of this, I have always wanted to show the world what members of the Deaf community are able to do through my academic success but predominantly my journey and success in sport. This is my first time representing my community and my country at an international level, after swimming competitively for less than four years. I am proud to be competing at the Deaflympics, despite the difficulties that have arisen in terms of funds and my health. Unfortunately, due to lack of publicity, funding, and availability of grants, members of the Deaf Seals team have to fundraise nearly seven thousand dollars on their own. In addition to this, I have been going through some very difficult health issues over the past year, nearly giving up on this dream altogether, so I am so pleased to have made the team despite these difficulties. Please consider supporting my journey as the Deaflympics is not only an international sporting event but an opportunity for a unique, global culture to connect and grow, but also for us to have the opportunities of para and Olympic athletes in our sport.

Please be aware that every small amount helps and is greatly appreciated by myself and my family. Whether you donate one dollar or one hundred dollars, I thank you all the same.

If you donate, thank you so much. And if not, thank you for taking the time to look at my page, and please consider donating to the Deaflympics team as a whole via their ASF page linked below.

https://asf.org.au/campaigns/deaf-sports-australia-foundation/2025-australian-deaflympics-team