President's Message - October 2005

I am pleased to share with you that on 1 September 2005, the U.S. District Court of Maryland has again rejected Rafael Pinchas’ fourth civil action case.  This case is declared closed by Judge William Nickerson.

After engaging in a meaningful dialogue with the International Olympic Committee for several months, we both were able to reach a consensus that the legal name of the organization would be the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf and the quadrennial event would be called Summer & Winter Deaflympics.  Next month, Tiffany Granfors and I will meet with the Sports Department and Legal Affairs of IOC to discuss critical issues relating to the status and impact of Deaflympics on our members.

At the Management Team meeting held in mid-August in Frederick, Vice President David Lanesman presented the idea of conducting a survey for all members with a goal of collecting data on how our members receive external funding for programs and participation in the Summer and Winter Deaflympics.  It was fully endorsed by the Management Team. So I ask you to please complete the survey and send it right away.  I intend to share the results with the IOC at our November meeting.

Again, it is time for us to nominate 2005 Widex Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year.  The year of 2005 has been very excellent for many athletes who performed phenomenally and set new Deaf world records or raised the level of standards.  I personally invite each member to nominate one male and one female athlete with supporting documents and photo by 15 November 2005.

I would like to reiterate that thinking about the 2013 Summer Games is not too early! The Executive Committee must review the bidding proposals from interested candidates at its EC meeting in March 2006 in Salt Lake City. Subsequently, a site visit must be held prior to the 2007 Congress.  Hence, the Management Team has taken an initiative in identifying prospective cities for the 2013 Summer Deaflympics, based on location, city’s managerial/fiscal capability, experience.  Just to name a few, cities such as Barcelona, Athens, Montreal, London, Edmonton, and Munich are considered very desirable for the 2013 Summer Deaflympics. I respectfully request that interested federations submit bids, directly to the Secretariat by 31 December 2005.

Till next time-
Donalda Ammons
President

By Donalda Ammons