The England Deaf Karting Association (EDKA) is delighted to announce a new long-term sponsorship agreement with SignVideo, the UK’s leading Video Relay Service (VRS) provider for Deaf people who use British Sign Language (BSL). The partnership represents a major milestone for Deaf motorsport and will play a vital role in supporting the continued development of the England Deaf Karting Team as it prepares for future international competitions.
SignVideo has proudly supported EDKA for the past three years, establishing a strong and successful relationship built on shared values of accessibility, inclusion, equality, and ambition. During this period, both organisations have worked closely together to promote opportunities for Deaf people within motorsport and to ensure that talented Deaf drivers can continue to progress and compete at the highest level.
The new agreement formally confirms SignVideo as a long-term sponsor of the England Deaf Karting Team and reinforces its ongoing commitment to empowering Deaf athletes and investing in the future of Deaf sport.
The sponsorship is expected to make a significant impact on the team’s preparations for upcoming European and international events. Financial support from SignVideo will help cover essential costs, including competition entry fees, team clothing, practice kart sessions, equipment, travel preparation, and athlete development programmes. By reducing some of the financial pressures associated with competing internationally, the partnership will allow drivers and team staff to focus on performance, training, and achieving success on the track.
For EDKA, the agreement is another important step forward in its mission to create a clear and sustainable pathway for Deaf drivers in England. The organisation remains committed to developing talent from grassroots karting through to elite international competition, while ensuring that Deaf people have equal opportunities to participate and succeed in motorsport.
The partnership also highlights the importance of accessible communication in sport and wider society. As one of the UK’s leading providers of BSL interpreting services, SignVideo has continually demonstrated its commitment to breaking down communication barriers and creating opportunities for Deaf communities. Its continued involvement with EDKA is a powerful example of how businesses and sporting organisations can work together to promote inclusion and equality.
Several individuals have played key roles in developing and strengthening the partnership, including Damaris Cooke and Alan Thompson, whose dedication and hard work have helped turn a successful three-year relationship into a long-term sponsorship agreement that will benefit current and future generations of Deaf drivers.
To celebrate the announcement, SignVideo recently visited North East Karting in Sunderland to film a special feature highlighting the partnership and the work of the England Deaf Karting Team. The filming included interviews with EDKA Chairperson Alan Thompson and his girlfriend, Iryna, who has been a great source of support throughout his involvement in Deaf motorsport. They were joined by SignVideo team members Hannah Sands, who led the filming, and Danny Murphy, who conducted interviews with Alan. Danny is also well known for his appearances in the BBC drama series Waterloo Road. The feature explored the team’s experiences within Deaf motorsport, the importance of sponsorship support, and the ambitions of the England Deaf Karting Team as it continues to grow and compete internationally.
The filming will also be shared across SignVideo’s social media platforms, helping to raise awareness of Deaf karting and showcasing the opportunities available to Deaf drivers across the United Kingdom.
As part of the filming, Alan Thompson also took to the circuit and drove a kart himself, showcasing his passion and commitment to the sport. The experience highlighted the excitement and accessibility of karting while demonstrating the strong partnership that has developed between EDKA and SignVideo. The filming provided an excellent opportunity to promote Deaf karting, celebrate the new sponsorship agreement, and inspire future generations of Deaf drivers to become involved in motorsport.
Speaking about the announcement, EDKA expressed its sincere appreciation to SignVideo for its continued belief in the organisation and its athletes.
“This long-term sponsorship agreement is fantastic news for the England Deaf Karting Team. SignVideo has been an incredible supporter over the last three years, and this partnership will help us continue to grow, prepare professionally, and compete strongly on the international stage. Together, we are creating more opportunities for Deaf drivers and inspiring the next generation to get involved in motorsport.”
Looking ahead, EDKA and SignVideo are committed to building on their successful partnership and exploring further opportunities to expand support for Deaf karting across the United Kingdom. The collaboration is expected to contribute significantly to the long-term sustainability and success of the England Deaf Karting Team, ensuring that Deaf drivers continue to have the opportunity to represent England with pride on the international stage.
EDKA would like to thank SignVideo for its continued support, commitment and belief in Deaf sport. This long-term partnership marks an exciting new chapter for the England Deaf Karting Team and provides a strong foundation for future growth, success and increased opportunities for Deaf drivers across the UK.