CSD Proud to be Gold Sponsor of the 2007 Winter Deaflympics

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Feb. 20, 2006) — Based on CSD’s longstanding commitment to the global deaf and hard of hearing community, CSD announces its sponsorship of the 2007 Winter Deaflympics, to be held in Salt Lake City, Utah, Feb. 1-10, 2007.

The Deaflympics began in 1924 (then called The World Games for the Deaf) and are the second oldest international multi-cultural sports event in the world. CSD is a Gold level sponsor of the 2007 event, the highest level possible.

In 2003, CSD sponsored the USA team to travel to Sweden for the Winter Deaflympics, while sending CSD staff to cover and report on the event. CSD also helped sponsor the Summer Deaflympics in Australia last year, again paying for staff to report and cover the event. This longstanding spirit of partnership has culminated in CSD being named one of the official sponsors of the 2007 Winter Deaflympics, while also being credited with bringing the event to America.

CSD has a strong history of supporting deaf sports. In 2001, the United States of America Deaf Sport Federation (USADSF) requested a partnership with CSD to further the ends of the USADSF. CSD has since opened up an office at CSD headquarters in Sioux Falls and paid for a full time employee to assist the USADSF, now known as the USADSF home office and museum. CSD also supports the USADSF by publishing information in their newspaper SIGNews.

“We are honored to call ourselves an official sponsor of the 2007 Winter Deaflympics,” said Ben Soukup, CSD chief executive officer. “This is an opportunity for the world’s most skilled deaf athletes to compete against each other for world-class status. We are excited be a part of the team that makes the Deaflympics one of the greatest and most memorable events, not only in Deaf America, but in the entire world.”

The 2007 Winter Deaflympics includes competitions in skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey, Nordic skiing, and curling. The event will attract approximately 400 athletes from over 20 different countries. For more information on the 2007 Winter Deaflympics, go to www.2007deaflympics.com.

About CSDCSD is a private, nonprofit telecommunications and human services organization based in Sioux Falls, S.D. In its 30-year history, CSD has expanded its communication service offerings and currently manages over 20 call centers in the U.S. CSD offers telecommunications relay services, video relay services, equipment distribution programs and sign language interpreting services. Additionally, CSD’s National Programs provides human services at 15 locations in eight states. For more information, see www.c-s-d.org.

By Albert Dwight Benedict