Deaflympics Taipei 2009 - Jackie Chan - Power in Me

Famous international star Jackie Chan Promoting Deaf Olympics 2009 in Taipei, Taiwan



More than 3,100 deaf athletes and officials from 63 countries and not counting thousands of fans from all over the world attended the recent Summer Deaflympics in Australia. Over 600 athletes and officials participated in the recent Winter Deaflympics in Salt Lake City, United States. Many thousands of others in a world community of millions aspire to being part of the competition.

The Deaflympics are more than just the world's second oldest multiple sports games after the Olympics. They are also among the world's fastest growing sports events. The games that started as a small gathering of 148 deaf athletes from nine countries competing in the International Silent Games in Paris, France, in 1924, have grown into a global movement.

Built on one man's vision of worldwide athletic competition and the sharing of experiences among deaf athletes, the Deaflympics have endured for over 80 years as unique and separate in the world of sports.

The games are sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee, IOC. But unlike the athletes in all other IOC sanctioned games, including the Olympics, the Paralympics and the Special Olympics, the Deaflympians cannot be guided by starter's guns, bullhorn commands or referee whistles. Nor can they experience the crucial sense of inclusion in other general games because they cannot just strike up a conversation or in other ways communicate instantly or in a practical manner with fellow hearing athletes.

For these and other reasons, the Deaflympics must and will continue to go on independently, while building on their rich traditions and continuing their rapid growth in scope, size and importance. Increasingly, they also serve as a bridge between athletes brought up in the traditional schools for deaf children and the increasing number of deaf athletes from mainstream educational institutions.

Unlike other games for athletes with disabilities, which are all directed by non-disabled officials, the Deaflympics are run by deaf people for deaf athletes.

In this section you can find information about the games, the history, the athletes, the growing worldwide importance of the Deaflympics movement, and tools to help you cover this evolving story.

21st Summer Deaf Olympics Officially Kicked Off in The Taiwanese Capital, Taipei

The 21st Summer Deaf Olympics officially kicked off in the Taiwanese capital, Taipei.

The twelve-part opening ceremony included singing by Taiwanese pop star A-mei, an appearance by actor Jet-Li and choreographed artistic performances themed on Taiwan's landscape, ecology, and even its food.

One of the acts, meant to highlight Taipei as a culinary capitol, had performers dressed up as noodles, vegetables and stewed eggs. They assembled into famous local dishes, such as minced pork and beef noodle soup.

Many of the performers, who are deaf, responded to split-second visual cues.

The Deaflympics features 20 sports, including soccer, swimming, wrestling, table tennis and orienteering. A record 4,000 athletes from 81 countries are registered to compete this year. Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou also attended the opening ceremony.

The Deaf Olympics were first held in Paris, France in 1924. The competition, the first ever for athletes with disabilities, was then known as the Silent Games. This is the first time the Deaflympics have been held in Asia. The closing ceremony will be on September 15.