{
  "id": 8336196,
  "title": "‘I think they should be receiving the same level of funding’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/i-think-they-should-be-receiving-the-same-level-of-funding",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-19T00:09:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/2026/09/18/i-think-they-should-be-receiving-the-same-level-of-funding"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Jim Kyte, who became the first legally deaf player in NHL history when he was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in 1982, expressed his desire for deaf athletes to receive equal funding as their able-bodied counterparts. Despite never representing Canada in the Olympics, Kyte is now an ambassador for the Canadian Deaf Sport Association's (CDSA) fundraising campaign to help athletes compete in the 2027 Winter Deaflympics in Austria. The CDSA needs to raise $75,000 by December to support the 28 athletes competing in hockey, cross-country skiing, and curling. Kyte believes that deaf athletes should receive the same level of funding as Olympic and Paralympic athletes, as many of them have to cover their own expenses while pursuing their sport. Hannah Brown, a member of Canada’s women’s deaf curling team, echoed Kyte's sentiments, stating that the financial burden of competing is \"quite stressful.\" The CDSA has raised $9,412 so far, but more funding is needed to support the athletes adequately.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Jim Kyte, first deaf NHL player, wants equal funding for deaf athletes.",
    "Canadian Deaf Sport Association needs $75,000 by December for 2027 Winter Deaflympics.",
    "Deaf athletes face financial burden, need support to compete."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Deaf athletes being left to cover their own expenses while pursuing sports highlights a funding gap that advocates say should be bridged to bring them on par with able-bodied athletes.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}