Deaf Sport and Deaflympics

Historical and Current Developments

Abstract

The year 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the „Jeux Internationaux Silencieux” and the “Comité International des Sport Silencieux (CISS) in Paris, France, which took place in 1924 under the leadership of Eugène Rubens-Alcais from France and Antoine Dresse from Belgium. Looking back on historical developments in education and sport of and for deaf and hard of hearing persons it becomes clear what special challenges they had to cope with and to a certain extent they ae still facing until now, e.g. regarding communication, the use of sign language, as well as the socialisation and shared experience in the Deaf community.
Important milestones following the establishment of the “Comité International des Sports des Sourds – CISS/International Committee of Spot for the Deaf – ICSD” are presented, including particular information on the Games hosted in Germany: 1931 and 1981 (Summer Games) and 1955 and 1967 (Winter Games). Information on the number of athletes, number of medals and their ranking at Deaflympics after the Unification of Germany in 1990 are also provided. A highly important issue of Deaf sport relates to the support for activities at grassroots level and for elite sport and Deaflympics. In this context it is emphasised that the Deaf sport movement is basically lead by Deaf persons. Therefore, the cooperation agreement between the CISS/ICSD and the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) is of great significance.
Connections also exist between the CISS/ICSD and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), however, these relationships were not always uncomplicated. It remains to be seen what results current plans will bring. For the CISS/ICSD it is an important step to have introduced the 1st World Deaf Youth Games in January 2024 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, an event which can be very motivating and empowering for young people. Some practical information taken from experiences at national and international level regarding funding and media involvement is also provided.
Expectant glances are directed towards the upcoming 25th Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan, in 2025. These Games will be a great opportunity to bring together athletes and many more people from around the world for a unique sporting and cultural event, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first Games held in Paris in 1924.