From 1 July 2025, the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport (CITS) replaces the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC).
Intro
Photo: Ethan Powell on the court. Photos by Sport Imagery.
The 16-year-old forward is one of the youngest basketball players to represent Australia at this year’s games.
Natural competitiveness has defined this profoundly deaf athlete’s stellar results on the court.“I don’t think it’s really bothered me that much…I just don’t let it get to me, I just move on,” he said.
“I say to myself, I am just here to play sport, I am not here to get judged.
“Even if you’re the youngest, the smallest or not even the best player, you still have to put yourself into a positive mindset.”
Alongside his own drive, Ethan paid tribute to his family and basketball community, with their incorporation of unique hand signals proving to not only benefit Ethan, but the whole squad.
“When we are learning new plays, my coach will ask what’s a sign we can do for this play, but it’s not just for me but for my team as well,” the forward said.
“Simply because when you’re playing basketball it gets pretty loud, you won’t hear everything, this goes for everyone.”
Playing for the Gonnas will see Ethan line up with teammates who are deaf as well, however the step up to the national court will spin in new tests.
“Everyone on the team signs, everyone can speak, everyone’s included, it’s just amazing,” he said.
“It’s also a big challenge in the fact I’m not playing against people my age, now I’m playing against older people.”
Ethan’s journey is part of Deaf Sports Australia “Beyond the Game: Young Deaf Athletes of Australia” video series sponsored by Deaf Sports Australia.
The purpose of the series is to showcase the resilience and personal journeys that can positively impact the young deaf and hard of hearing Australian community.
The WA Government is proud to support this initiative through $20,000 to Deaf Sports Australia via its Industry Investment Program.
A future in sport for Ethan is clearly on the cards, with hopes his story can inspire others who are deaf to achieve their sporting goals.
“Just give it a try… even professionals were bad at some stage, if you keep practising, you’ll get better.”