The Ukraine Ministry of Youth and Sport continues to recognise Deaf athletes alongside their Olympic and Paralympic peers.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to inclusivity in sports by officially recognizing Deaflympians as equals to their Olympic and Paralympic peers. This significant milestone was solidified through Order No. 7742, signed on December 23, 2024, which introduces updated criteria for identifying key enterprises and organizations crucial to the national economy within the field of sports during special periods.

A Milestone in Sports Equality

Under the new directive, the Ministry has explicitly included the development and support of the Deaflympic movement alongside Olympic and Paralympic initiatives. This move ensures that Deaf athletes receive the same level of backing in training, competition, and resource allocation, reinforcing Ukraine’s position as a leader in sports inclusivity.

Key aspects of the approved criteria include:

• Supporting the development of physical culture and both Olympic and non-Olympic sports in Ukraine.
• Guaranteeing the execution of events listed in the Unified Calendar of Physical Culture, Sports Events, and Competitions.
• Providing comprehensive training for national team athletes in sports officially recognized in Ukraine.
• Implementing anti-doping measures across all sports activities.
• Organizing and facilitating nationwide physical culture and sports rehabilitation programs for individuals with disabilities, military personnel, and ensuring the operational efficiency of Paralympic and Deaflympic training bases.

Advancing Inclusivity in Sports

This landmark decision demonstrates Ukraine’s dedication to fostering an environment where Deaf athletes have equitable opportunities to excel and represent their nation on the world stage. By embedding Deaflympic support into national sports policies, the Ministry is not only investing in athletic excellence but also championing the rights and recognition of athletes with hearing impairments.

As global conversations around inclusivity in sports continue to evolve, Ukraine’s progressive stance serves as a model for other nations striving to create truly inclusive sports environments. This announcement marks a proud moment for the Ukrainian sports community and a promising future for Deaf athletes nationwide.

We celebrate this vital step towards equal recognition and look forward to witnessing Ukraine’s Deaflympians continue to thrive and inspire.

Original Source: https://unn.ua/news/the-ministry-of-youth-and-sports-has-approved-new-criteria-for-the-criticality-of-enterprises-in-the-field-of-sports