For immediate release

Moscow, Russia — (23/12/2014) — The International Committee of Sports for the Deaf wishes to offer correction in regards to the recent press release by Press TV, a 24-hour English language news organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB). The link is http://www.presstv.com/detail/2014/11/01/384402/iran-armenia-offer-to-host-deaflympics/

Press TV announced that Iran and neighboring Armenia have offered to jointly host the 2021 Summer Deaflympics. Iran would host the men’s events while Armenia hosts women’s competitions. It also noted that the issue would be discussed at the next ICSD Executive Board meeting.

ICSD verified that Mr. Karamollah Alimardani, President of Islamic Republic of Iran Deaf Sports Federation (IRIDSF)  did approach Dr. Valery Rukhledev, ICSD President and Mr. Dmitry Rebrov, ICSD Chief Executive Officer, with the proposal in Armenia around the 4th or 5th of October, 2014 during the 1st World Deaf Cadet and Junior Wrestling Championships.  

However, ICSD instantly rejected the proposal by IRIDSF since it would violate one of the International Olympic Committee’s fundamental principles - the Principle 6 clause. It states that the events hosted by members of the Olympic Movement should be free of discrimination “of any kind, such as race, color, sex, sexual orientation, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status”.  

As a recognized federation by the IOC since 1955, ICSD is and continues to be fully committed to adhering to the ideals and principles of the IOC.

ICSD welcomes applications for the 2021 Summer Deaflympics. Letter of interest may be sent to ICSD at office@ciss.org