CSUSOP Releases Its Report, "Passing the Torch"

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commission on the State of U.S. Olympics and Paralympics (CSUSOP) released its anticipated final report on March 1. Among its twelve recommendations, the Commission called for a long-term vision of the Olympic and Paralympic movement that "ensures participants' safety, promotes equitable access, and holds governing systems accountable through transparency and a commitment to due process."

Issues experienced by Deaf and Hard of Hearing athletes are reflected throughout the report. Recommendation 8, which concerns access and equality, specifically outlines the unique funding challenges experienced by Deaflympians and urged that "Congress should further study the issue of integrating deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes and deaf sports into the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic movement, while USOPC should work with the U.S.A. Deaf Sports Federation to resolve impediments to the latter making full use of Deaflympic trademarks and obtaining sponsorships."

The report can be read in full here.