News & Media

2011 Winter Deaflympics Cancelled

ICSD cancels event after host country fails to meet requirements

SIOUX FALLS, SD — May 17, 2010 — In response to the lack of planning, securing of funding, and other issues regarding the 17th Winter Deaflympics, the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) has canceled the 2011 Winter Deaflympics that were to take place next February in Slovakia.

In a press release from ICSD, "... the Slovakia Deaflympic Organizing Committee were required to develop and organize adequate funding, detail planning, final preparation of venues, comprehensive quarterly progress reports, high standard marketing efforts, and being able to provide information about the games to the general public." For this, ICSD felt that Slovakia had not been able to provide evidence of funding and satisfactory evidence of preparation. As a result, ICSD revoked Slovakia's right to host the 17th Winter Deaflympics.

ICSD stated that it was recognized as a big blow to winter deaf sports globally. USADSF concurs with that statement and regrets that the United States will not be able to send its best deaf and hard of hearing athletes who specialize in winter sports such as alpine skiing and snowboarding as well as ice hockey and curling to Slovakia this winter.

"I know it is a great disappointment to all of us on the US Team, especially our athletes who have trained hard for this event," said William Bowman, USADSF vice president for international affairs. "I personally hope that the impact of this decision will only make ICSD stronger."

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About USADSF
USADSF is the only national athletic association in the United States that coordinates the participation of American deaf and hard of hearing individuals in international sport competitions. The Federation is affiliated with the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) and has hosted the Summer Deaflympics in 1965 (Washington, DC) and 1985 (Los Angeles), and the Winter Deaflympics in 1975 (Lake Placid, NY) and 2007 (Salt Lake City). The Games Preparation Committee, a standing committee of the Federation, coordinates with the Executive Board and each National Sport Organization to organize and prepare U.S. teams for the Deaflympics, Pan-American Deaf Sports Organization (PANAMDES) Games and World Championships.

Posted: February 1, 2010