President's Message - January 2007

The ICSD Executive Committee and Regional Representatives send their best wishes for a Happy New Year:

Happy New Year (English) * Xin nian yu kuai  (Chinese) * Bonne année (French) * Gutes Neues Jahr (German) * Shanah tovah (Hebrew) * Godt Nyttår  (Norwegian) * Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun (Turkish) * Feliz Año Nuevo (Spanish)

As of this writing, everyone is geared up for two major events in Salt Lake City, Utah (USA) - the 40th ICSD Congress and 16th Winter Deaflympics.  I am extremely pleased with the number of delegates who will represent 62 countries, showing deep commitment and absolute determination to cherish the spirit of Deaflympics.  A total of 66 proposals are on the Congress agenda.  Prior to discussing those 66 proposals, there will be a three hour workshop session to address pressing issues relating to audiological testing procedures and anti-doping regulations.

Athletes from 24 countries will compete in five different winter sports disciplines, representing either snow or ice.  Since our Deaf athletes always strive to reach the pinnacle of competition by embracing the motto of PER LUDOS AEQUALITIAS (Equal through sport) and adhering to the ideals of the Olympics, we show our support by attending competition events in Salt Lake City and Park City.

I would like to announce that for 2 days, Friday and Saturday, 2-3 February, Sorenson Communications is sponsoring a Deaf EXPO at the Salt Palace. The admission is free.  Attending the expo will give you an opportunity to learn about many new products and services that are and will be available for the deaf, to watch entertainment by deaf performers and to attend the keynote speech by our former ICSD President, Jerald Jordan. For more information, go to http://www.sorenson.com/deaflympics/events.php.

Daily results of the Games will be broadcasted through the official website of the Games - www.deaflympics.tv, which will be managed by ICSD and powered by DeafNation.  Please do share this website address with your family, relatives, co-workers and friends, neighbors and more.

Here comes Salt Lake City!

Dr. Donalda K. Ammons
President

By Donalda Ammons