It's an athlete’s dream – being on the go on the slopes two days a week or more, and then to compete in an international race with other like-mind athletes. The difference? Everyone is deaf. Today, 10 talented athletes have the amazing opportunity to represent the USA in Valtellina- Valchiavenna, Italy. They will have the support of an alpine ski coach, snowboard coach and an team director rooting for them every bit of the way.
At the Deaflympics, people sign far and wide. All participants have a collective understanding of what it’s like to be deaf. Rather than being treated as a marginalized minority, the Deaflympics provides an intentional deaf space where everyone is recognized on the international level. It’s a life-changing experience that celebrates a diverse and vibrant culture. At the Deaflympics we instill a sense of belonging, pride and confidence.
The Winter Deaflympics is sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee. The Games are built on over 85 years of tradition. The need for separate games for deaf athletes is not just evident in the number of participants, but also because of our communication needs on the slopes. Unlike hearing Olympians or Paralympians, elite deaf and hard of hearing athletes do not receive financial support from the United States Olympic Committee and must fundraise their way to the Deaflympics.
This is our greatest challenge. Each athlete needs to pay out of pocket and/or raise a minimum of $3,040 to cover all costs, including international airfare, room and board, training expenses, fees, food and apparel (the exception is $3,401 for coaches/staff members). Should individuals go over their individual fundraising goals, USDSSA will distribute resources among team members.
If you want to make a direct donation to the organization to avoid fees, the check can be made out to the USA Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF). Make sure to write the memo to Deaflympics and athlete's name.
Mail check to:
USADSF
PO Box 22011
Santa Fe, NM 87502
To learn more about our athletes, please check out the leaderboard column and click on the athlete of your choice to show them some love! Together your support will help the next generation of deaf and hard of hearing trailblazers in representing the United States of America at the highest level.
Thank you.