Southern Housing Group sponsors Brighton football star to represent Britain at the Deaflympics Taiwan 2009

Published by Miriam Laverick for Southern Housing Group in Communities and also in Housing

Southern Housing Group resident, Roanna Simmons, 31, from Wellend Villas in Brighton, boarded her flight to Taiwan on Tuesday 25 August to represent Great Britain in Deaflympics football.

Roanna has been playing football since she was 15 years old and has represented Britain for 9 years. At the 2005 Melbourne Deaflympics, she and the British Deaflympics football team won the bronze medal, and Roanna has high hopes for her performance in Taiwan thanks to the support of her housing association.

Roanna said:

“Receiving sponsorship from Southern Housing Group has taken all the pressure away from me financially, which has enabled me to be 100 percent focused on my training. Other team members have had to raise the funds to travel independently, which is a huge stress and financial burden. The Group’s support has been fantastic. I feel very lucky.”

Regional Director, Guy Collar, said:

“We’re proud to sponsor Roanna to represent Britain at the Deaflympics in Taiwan this year. Southern Housing group has over 6,000 homes in the South Region. Investing in people and communities is as important to us as building homes. Roanna’s achievements and commitment are an inspiration, and we wish her the very best of luck.”

The 21st Summer Games in Taipei, Taiwan, open on 5 September, with closing ceremonies on 15 September. The games bring together 3,985 deaf athletes from 81 countries to participate in 20 different sporting events.