After a successful application to Museums Libraries and Archives Council's 'Setting the Pace' fund the Herbert was award £5000 to carry out the project.  Their purpose was to develop a national archive of community sport in response to the 2012 Olympics. We collected reminiscences, photographs and documents from Coventry and Warwickshire Deaf Sport and Social Club. 

The interviewees told us about a hat trick of victories against a German Deaf football team. We also heard about their frustrations in not being allowed an interpreter in important meetings. There was also information about how sport was vital in building confidence and bringing people together. We also interviewed a Deaf Olympian who won a gold medal for badminton five times.

We spent many happy hours sifting through the interviews to find the best bits. These clips have been put together to make a film which is now available on the Internet and shown at the museum as part of our History Gallery next year. As part of this project we also collected around 180 photographs, documents and press cuttings relating to Deaf Sport. These records have been digitised and are due to be hosted on www.peoplesrecord.org.uk along with the film very soon. They will also be accessible through the History Centre. You can watch the film on YouTube here.

All this work would not have been possible without the enthusiastic help and support of Carole and Glen Harris and members of the Coventry Deaf Sports and Social Club.

(Anne-Marie Sandos)