ICSD President's Update - May 2015

As ICSD President, last month 45th ICSD Congress was held just prior to the start of 18th Winter Deaflympics. ICSD delegates, 55 countries came to the Congress where we debated on the future directions of the ICSD. Presentations and seminars including discussions pertaining to Deaf sports were held over the few days. ICSD 90th Jubilee was celebrated and I am proud that ICSD is one of the oldest International sport organizations. Deaflympics has a rich of history of inspiring achievements and unique movements in Deaf sports. ICSD has been through some turbulent which includes moments of disappointments and elations and now we all need to focus on succeeding by moving upwards and onwards.

Let me share some information with you about this review, International Committee of Sports for the Deaf. This review documented 90 years worth of historical information since Silent Games was first established. I would encourage all ICSD delegates and members of National Federations and Sports Associations to spend some time reviewing and analyzing the information provided in this book. Showing this book to your local government is highly encouraged so they can better understand Deaf Sport’s history, the importance of Deaflympics and how it has progressed over the years.

As we all know, the 18th Winter Deaflympics was held in Khanty-Mansiysk and Magnitogorsk, 378 athletes competed in 5 different winter sports along with their coaches, staff, medical personnels and parents. In total, 27 countries participated in the 18th Winter Deaflympics, which is quite impressive.

I personally would like thank the Organising Committees for their commitment in making the 18th Winter Deaflympics a huge success by contributing their expertise, time and collaboration. I specifically would like to acknowledge who they are: the Russian politicians and governors who gave us the “green light” at the very beginning, Ministry of Sport of the Russian Federation, the Government of Autonomous Okrug - Ugra, the Government of Chelyabinsk Region for Magnitogorsk, and the Russian Committee of Deaf Sports.

With them, they have raised the profile of 18th Winter Deaflympics to the world.