DEAFLYMPICS
At the 2017 Deaflympics in Turkey, Janna Vander Meulen of Beaverton, Oregon, took a gold medal in the 110-meter hurdle event. USADSF photo
The History and Significance of the Deaflympics
The Deaflympics, originally known as the Silent Games and later the World Games for the Deaf, began in Paris in 1924. Eugene Rubens-Alcais, a deaf Frenchman, envisioned the event as a platform to challenge misconceptions about deaf individuals, who were often viewed as intellectually and physically inferior at the time. He successfully attracted nine nations to participate in the International Silent Games, a deaf version of the Olympic games. There were 6 sports and 31 events and the event took place in Paris between August 10th– 17th August 1924. The nine nations that competed were Belgium, France, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland and Romania.
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Since the first event, there have been 22 Summer Games held every four years, with two exceptions during World War II (1943 and 1947). The 2022 Summer Deaflympics in Caxias do Sul, Brazil had 2,412 athletes (1,644 men / 764 women) and took place from May 1–15, 2022, and included athletes from 73 nations. The upcoming Deaflympics will take place from November 15–26, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan.
The Deaflympics Today
Organized by the International Committee on Sports for the Deaf (ICSD), (IG: @icsd_official) the Deaflympics bring together d/Deaf athletes from around the world to compete at the highest level. Unlike other international competitions, the Deaflympics were created by and for deaf individuals and their motto, “Per Ludos Aequalitas”(Equality through Sport), reflects its mission to promote equality and opportunity through athletics.
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To qualify, athletes must meet ICSD’s definition of deafness, which is at least a 55 dB hearing loss in the better ear. Hearing aids and cochlear implants are not permitted during competition, ensuring a level playing field. Instead of sound-based signals, visual cues such as light systems and hand signals are used for competition.
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The games include a wide variety of sports such as track and field, volleyball, swimming, basketball, cycling, football, and more.
Challenges Facing Deaf Athletes
Despite its rich history and growing participation, the Deaflympics faces significant challenges, particularly in the US.
Due to not including the d/Deaf community into the conversation of the passing of the 1978 Ted Stevens Act, which established funding for Olympic and Paralympic athletes, the Deaflympics are not officially recognized by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC). This exclusion means that U.S. Deaflympians receive no government funding or sponsorship, unlike their hearing and Paralympic counterparts.
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The USA Deaf Track Team needs to raise over $40,000 to cover expenses such as uniforms, international airfare, and accommodations. Meanwhile, deaf athletes in many other countries receive the same financial support and resources as their Olympic counterparts. For example, Kenya fully funds its deaf athletes, providing professionally paid coaches, covering travel expenses, and even awarding cash prizes for medaling.
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This lack of recognition and funding contributes to limited awareness of the Deaflympics within the U.S., leaving many potential sponsors and supporters unaware of its existence. As a result, the burden of funding falls on athletes themselves and their families.
The Impact of the Deaflympics
The Deaflympics is more than just a sporting event—it is a celebration of resilience, culture, and community. It provides a space where deaf individuals can connect, compete, and showcase their talents on a global stage. The games have helped challenge stereotypes about deaf individuals, reduce prejudice, and promote accessibility.
How YOU Can Help
Are you interested in supporting or sponsoring the U.S. Deaf Track Team or learning more about the Deaflympics? Your contributions can make a meaningful impact by creating opportunities for deaf athletes, like myself, to excel in sports and proudly represent Team USA on a global stage.
To get involved, please email marnesullypr@gmail.com and Coach OJ (ojlogue@gmail.com)
For more information about the Deaflympics, visit www.deaflympics.com
(The website has not been recently updated)
