Event Recap : Two Veteran Athletes, One Shared Journey

DIBF Seminar | 30 May Format: Virtual Panel via Zoom

The latest DIBF seminar brought together two dedicated figures in the Deaf sports community: Fatima Tebibel and Sonata Bareikiene for an inspiring panel discussion. With a combined 60+ years of elite competitive experience, these phenomenal athletes shared their personal journeys of determination, cross-cultural adaptation, and breaking down systemic barriers. The session beautifully highlighted not only their immense athletic milestones, but also the power of sports to foster international friendships, build a strong sense of identity, and cultivate deep support systems. 

Veteran elite athletes Fatima (Sweden) and Sonata (Lithuania) both boast over 30 years of competitive experience. Fatima has competed internationally across four different Deaf and hearing sports (tennis, basketball, futsal, and padel), while Sonata has dominated international basketball while balancing motherhood. 

Fun Fact Connection: The world is small! Sonata shared a 12-year on-court basketball rivalry with legendary Swedish player Touria Ouahid Boren- who happens to be Fatima’s aunt. 

Key Takeaways

• Resilience & Adaptation: Sonata (balancing motherhood) and Fatima (switching across four sports) emphasized that navigating aging, and injuries requires emotional fortitude and a strong support system of family, friends, and community.

• Overcoming Barriers: Facing low visibility, scarce resources, and minimal media coverage in their early careers, their core passion and a tight-knit Deaf sports community kept them driven.

• Next-Gen Advice: They urged young athletes to trust the process and cherish global friendships, while inspiring future Deaf girls to believe in their power, claim their space, and ignore external limits.

• Male Support in Women’s Sports: The panel discussed a few simple ways men can support female athletes:

  • Attend Events: Watch games and show interest in women’s sports.

  • Share Achievements: Highlight and share accomplishments, stories, and key moments from women’s sports.

  • Raise Awareness: Talk about women’s sports and help increase their visibility among broader audiences.