A visit to the Melbourne Deaf-lympics in 2005 with the Hunter Signing Choir was the inspiration for Jacob Dyball to work towards being a part of the next games, but as a sporting competitor.

Having always loved a game of table tennis the then 15-year-old was determined he was going to work on his game, and hopefully make it in four years time to the Deaflympic Games 2009.

Last week Jacob received word from the Olympic Committee on his selection into the Australian team to compete at the games to be held next August/September in Taiwan.

Jacob was so impressed with the table tennis at the Melbourne games that he has spent the last few months travelling to Newcastle each week to find some tougher competitors.

Three weeks ago he competed in the NSW Men’s Open’s Deaf Table Tennis singles Competition and was really happy with his results.

“I performed well and I beat one of the former players in the Deaflympics team,” he said.

“Being hearing impaired has given me this great opportunity, I never thought I would be doing something like this.”

He is now able to drive himself to Newcastle for his training sessions, but he said it would be great to see table tennis start up at the Singleton PCYC.

Jacob regularly competes in hearing competitions and was part of the winning team at the Hunter Region School Championships in June, with fellow Singleton High students Wesley Hickey, Ben Graham and Josh Harvey.

They then went on to compete at a state level and were placed seventh overall.

Each athlete is required to pay their own way to Taipei, so any sponsorship for Jacob would be appreciated and numerous fundraising events will be held in the coming year.

Anyone interested in helping fund the project and can contact 6573 2234.