The South African squad is set to compete across various sports codes, mixing youth and experience, from seasoned legend Terence Parkin to 17-year-old swimmer Kate Allwood.
Tokyo, Japan (14 November 2025) – South Africa’s Deaflympic team is off to Tokyo, and leading the way (quite literally) is Somerset College’s newly elected head girl, Kate Allwood. Kate has been given the incredible honour of serving as one of two flag bearers for the opening ceremony on 15 November.
Affectionately known as “the baby” of the team, Kate says she is still soaking in the moment.
“I’m so excited, and I can’t believe that the day is finally here. It’s been a long journey to get here, but I’m so happy that it’s here, and I just wanted to say thank you so much for all the support and love.”
Kate, who was born profoundly deaf and received life-changing cochlear implants before her first birthday, first took up swimming to help with balance challenges. Now, she is representing her country on the world’s biggest stage for deaf athletes.
She will be competing in seven events, including freestyle, breaststroke, and individual medley. The South African squad will also feature athletes in athletics, golf, table tennis, and swimming. Among her teammates is legendary swimmer Terence Parkin, the most decorated Deaflympian of all time and an Olympic silver medallist. Terence first competed at the Deaflympics in 1997 before going on to represent South Africa at the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympic Games.
Transoranje School for the Deaf also celebrated their very own Ronnie Shabalala.
With the games set to take place from the 15th to the 26th of November, Team South Africa looks forward to representing the country with pride.
Sources: Team South Africa
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