Matthew Sykes

Matthew is a dedicated deaf sports star and is a competitive canoeist who has gone through a journey of facing challenges and barriers due to his deafness. Matthew has been involved in the sport of canoe slalom for over twenty years and has competed at national and international level for Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Despite his deafness, he has faced challenges, for example making sure his coaches and his sports colleagues are aware of his communication needs so he can train effectively and work hard to improve his ability as a canoeist. Matthew has participated in different competitions as an individual and as a team member for so many years. He has taken part in the following: Formerly in the Men's British Kayak Premier Division, Great Britain U16 and Senior team England Junior and Senior team, British Youth Championships, Sydney Olympic Games Northern Ireland Canoe Slalom Team, Ireland Canoe Slalom Reserve Team, Irish Master Championship. Today Matthew is the only deaf slalom paddler in the world participating at a national and international level. He is a positive role model for others especially for deaf children and young people. Matthew is coaching deaf children and young people to learn how to canoe and he hopes this will inspire deaf children and young people to take up the sport at a competitive level. It would be inspirational for Matthew and for other local deaf people to see him carry the Olympic torch.