2013 Deaflympics: Sofia, Bulgaria 26 July to 4 August

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2013/05/31 - Updated: 2013/07/13
Topic: Deaflympics - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: The 2013 Summer Deaflympics will be held in Sofia, Bulgaria 26 July to 4 August.

Introduction

Main Item

ICSD is pleased to confirm the sports that will feature in the Sofia 2013 Deaflympics, and they are Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Bowling, Cycling, Football, Handball, Judo, Karate, Orienteering, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Volleyball and Wrestling. We are expecting record numbers of competitors in these sports.

The Deaflympics (previously called World Games for the Deaf, and International Games for the Deaf) are an IOC-sanctioned event at which deaf athletes compete at an elite level. The games have been organized by the Comite International des Sports des Sourds (CISS, "The International Committee of Sports for the Deaf") since the first event.

As the Deaf athletes possess no physical or mental disabilities, but only hearing loss, they are not eligible to participate in the Paralympic Games; instead, they come together in their own competitions designed specifically to satisfy their physical, psychological, and social needs.

To qualify for the Deaflympics, athletes must have a hearing loss of at least 55 db in their "better ear". Hearing aids, cochlear implants etc. are not allowed to be used, in order to place all athletes on the same level, as the communication between athletes and trainers or team-mates is prevented during the competition.

The use of sign language is allowed, as it can be used by everybody, provided they can see, and it constitutes the language of the community of the deaf people, which most athletes prefer.

The 20 summer Deaflympic events include athletics, badminton, handball, judo, karate, orienteering, shooting, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, basketball, beach volleyball, bowling, cycling road, football, tennis, volleyball, water polo, wrestling freestyle, wrestling Greco-Roman.

Author Credentials: Ian was born and grew up in Australia. Since then, he has traveled and lived in numerous locations and currently resides in Montreal, Canada. Ian is the founder, a writer, and editor in chief for Disabled World. Ian believes in the Social Model of Disability, a belief developed by disabled people in the 1970s. The social model changes the focus away from people's impairments and towards removing barriers that disabled people face daily. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and achievements, check out his bio.