20th July 2009,

Gala Ball a huge success!

Over 200 guests descended on Rydges Hotel on Swanston in support of Vicdeaf’s 125 year celebration and to support the Australian Deaflympic Team participating at the upcoming 2009 Deaflympic Games to be held in Taipei in September.

Vicdeaf President Mac Adam and Deaf Sport Australia President Brent Phillips commenced the night with opening speeches congratulating Vicdeaf’s 125 years of service to the deaf and hard of hearing community.

Rebecca Adam, who was a former DSA Board President and is currently a Board Member of Vicdeaf lead the night’s proceedings as Master of Ceremonies.

The event proved to be a magical occasion where guests were also treated to an amazing performance by Australia’s favourite magicians, Ellis and Webster. Many guests were left gobsmacked by some of the illusions including a floating table that would have also left Harry Potter perplexed.

Guests were also given an insight into the lives of wo current Deaflympians, Ashleigh Kedge and Renee Kahle who will be representing the Women’s Basketball team at the upcoming Games. They both were interviewed by Irena Farinacci, who is a former two-time Deaflympian having represented Australia in Women’s basketball at the 1997 and 2005 Deaflympic Games.

Phil Harper, a Director of DSA, lead the auctions of sporting memorabilia where one of the items, a framed Sydney Olympic Games flag signed by the Australian Gold Medallist was sold for $3,000. In total over $4200 was raised on the night with all proceeds of the auction to go towards the Australian Deaflympic Team attending the upcoming Games.

Deaf Sports Australia warmly thanks all guests who attended the Gala Ball in support of Vicdeaf and deaf sports.

Deaf Sports Australia would also like to thank the following people/companies for their support in ensuring the Gala Ball was a success:

* David Oliver, James Blyth and staff at Vicdeaf

* Weronika Nicoletti and Rydges on Swanston

* Rebecca Adam

* Phil Harper and Carla Anderson

* Australian Olympic Committee

* Basketball Australia

* Cricket Australia

* Cricket Victoria

* Swimming Australia

* Golf Australia

* Carlton Football Club

* Essendon Football Club

* WT Partnership and Gavin Balharrie

* Sally Normington

 

Photo source: Vicdeaf

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