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5 Jul 2011 09:43:48
Football crazy student Claire Stancliffe has just returned from Bulgaria where she represented Great Britain in the European Deaf Football Championships, winning a Bronze Medal.
Claire, who has just been awarded a BSc Hons in Sport and Physical Education by the University of Bedfordshire, spent a week in June in Albena, Bulgaria, with the British team. They lost 3-0 against Russian, and 4 -1 against Germany but were awarded the bronze and the Fair Play Award.
The Bedford-based student said: “I am very proud and honoured to represent my country. There are so many stereotypes about deaf people and sport so hopefully we are changing peoples views in a positive way.”
Claire has been playing football since she was five years old, representing a mixture of deaf and hearing teams. She currently plays for Midfield for Cogenhoe & Kingsthorpe Ladies Football Club. She was awarded a Sports Scholarship from the University to help her achieve her potential.
Claire took part in the Deaflympics in 2009 and training is already underway for the the World Deaf Championships July 2012 in Turkey. Claire is training most days, with monthly team training sessions.
Being a deaf student has been a challenge for Claire: “I have to admit it has been incredibly difficult, especially with my training, working and fund-raising on top of studying.
“However, it is possible to combine everything as the University has supported me a lot, especially the Disability Team,” added Claire, who supports Liverpool.
Julia Lines, Sports Development Officer, added: “The University is proud to be associated with Claire. Despite her study and sporting commitments she has also volunteered to speak to deaf children in the local school and college community and I am sure will inspire them. Claire is a fine role model for all young people, with her commendable attitude to overcoming her difficulties in her sport, study and also helping others.”
Latest news» 2011» July» Bronze award for footballer Claire
