15-year-old Calysta Bissell who plays volleyball for U-16 Velocity here in Grande Prairie was recently given the opportunity of a lifetime. Calysta was selected to represent Team Canada at the Deaflympics in Tokyo in November and will be competing along with 70 other teams from around the world.
Bissell who is hearing impaired has had to overcome some big challenges on the court by not always being able to hear her teammates. “It’s a bit tricky; everything is so much more visual for me, and I make sure to look at almost everybody on the court so I don’t miss anything. Sometimes it’s also really hard to hear the whistle.”
Last month Bissell was able to meet her team members for the first time in Edmonton for 2 straight days of bonding and training.
The Deaflympics will take place from November 15 to 26, 2025.
As far as what to fully expect, Bissell says, “I know that we're not allowed our hearing devices on the court. But I’m not sure what the referee will do, like, do they still have a whistle? Do they have a flashlight in their hand? Like, who knows? So, I'm really excited.”
Team Canada is made up of players ranging from age 15 to 43 with Bissell being the youngest.
“It’s going to be so fun! I’m very proud and grateful for this opportunity, and I’m very glad that God has blessed me with this.”
You can learn more about the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo this November at www.deaflympics.com/games/tokyo-2025