Category Archives: Deaf Sport

Why the Deaflympics Deserves Full Funding: A Call for Equality in Sports

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Despite a century of excellence, Deaflympic athletes are still forced to self-fund their participation. It’s time for change.

The Deaflympics Deserve Full Funding and Recognition

The Deaflympics is a world-class sporting event, yet its athletes are forced to self-fund their journey to compete at the highest level. Chris Ratcliffe, CEO of UK Deaf Sport, has highlighted this critical issue in his interview with Matt Taylor for BBC News in the article titled ‘We have to fund the Deaflympics ourselves’, and it is time for the sporting community, corporate sponsors, and government bodies to step up and provide the necessary support. Ratcliffe has been working tirelessly to raise awareness of this issue, and last month, BBC’s Matt Taylor caught up with him to discuss the urgent need for funding and recognition.

Chris Ratcliffe, CEO, UK Deaf Sport “We have to fund the Deaflympics Ourselves”

Photo Credit: © Mark Lomas 2011.

A Century of Excellence, Yet Still Overlooked

As Matt Taylor reported in his BBC News article, for 100 years, the Deaflympics has provided elite deaf athletes with a platform to compete on a level playing field. Established in 1924, it was the first international sporting event for athletes with disabilities, predating the Paralympics by nearly four decades. Despite this rich history, it remains one of the least recognized global sporting competitions. While Olympic and Paralympic athletes receive direct financial support, their Deaflympic counterparts must raise an estimated £4,000 each to represent Great Britain at the upcoming Tokyo games.

This financial burden places deaf athletes at a significant disadvantage. Many are in full-time education or employment while training at an elite level. The additional stress of securing funding detracts from their preparation and undermines their potential to compete at their best.

The Government’s Role in Funding Equity

The UK government, through Sport England, has provided £1.27 million in funding for UK Deaf Sport until 2027. While this is an important step in supporting grassroots initiatives, it does not directly address the financial struggles of athletes preparing for the Deaflympics. As highlighted in Taylor’s article, the exclusion of Deaflympic athletes from UK Sport funding—reserved for Olympic and Paralympic competitors—suggests a misunderstanding of the event’s elite status and its importance to the deaf community.

The time has come for UK Sport and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to recognize the Deaflympics as an elite-level competition worthy of direct funding. Elite deaf athletes deserve the same financial backing as their Olympic and Paralympic counterparts. This is not just about funding; it is about equality, representation, and the value we place on all athletes, regardless of how they communicate.

Breaking Barriers and Inspiring the Next Generation

Beyond competition, the Deaflympics serves as a vital tool in breaking down barriers for young deaf athletes. As Ratcliffe noted in Taylor’s piece, studies show that deaf children are twice as likely to be inactive compared to their hearing peers. The lack of visibility and investment in deaf sports contributes to this disparity. If we want to create a truly inclusive sporting culture, funding the Deaflympics must be a priority.

UK Deaf Sport’s Destination Deaflympics campaign is a promising initiative to increase awareness, but awareness alone is not enough. If we want young deaf athletes to see the Deaflympics as a viable goal, we must remove financial obstacles. One way to do this is through corporate sponsorships, media partnerships, and a dedicated government-backed funding stream that ensures no athlete is forced to fund their own participation in an event of this magnitude.

UK Deaf Sports Youth engagement programme

A Call to Action

The Deaflympics embodies the very essence of sport: perseverance, excellence, and inclusivity. Yet, as Taylor’s article makes clear, its athletes continue to be sidelined in the funding conversation. It is time for change.

  • Government bodies must formally recognize the Deaflympics as an elite event and provide direct financial support.
  • Corporate sponsors should step up and back our elite deaf athletes, just as they do for Olympians and Paralympians.
  • The media must give the Deaflympics the attention it deserves, ensuring wider public awareness and engagement.
Support DeaflympicsGB

The Deaflympics should not be an event where only those who can afford it get to compete. Every athlete representing Great Britain on the world stage should do so knowing that their country stands behind them—financially, institutionally, and culturally.

It’s time to fund the Deaflympics properly. Anything less is a failure of our commitment to true sporting equality.

For more details on the politics and history of the Deaflympics read “Same Spirit Different Team”

Deaf Cricket Australia Closes: Implications for Future Generations

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A Heart-breaking Decision That Shakes the Deaf Sporting Community.

On January 31st, 2025, members of Deaf Cricket Australia (DCA) gathered at Melbourne Deaf Cricket Club. Others joined online for the historic but deeply emotional meeting. The organization announced its closure. What should have been a celebration of 130 years of Deaf cricket in Australia turned into a painful farewell.

Two Big Ears could look in and ask questions during the live-streamed session. We thank Expression Australia for setting up the technical arrangements.

The decision was not made lightly. DCA representatives Melissa Hale, Justin Bergin, and James Hale stood before a devastated audience. They explained the irreversible breakdown in negotiations with Cricket Australia (CA). The raw emotion in the room was unmistakable. As they spoke, their heartbreak was visible to everyone. They fought to hold their composure. It was clear how much this loss meant to them.

Cricket Australia’s Grip on Deaf Cricket

In recent years, Deaf Cricket Australia had to adapt to the structures set by Cricket Australia. Cricket Australia controls the National Cricket Inclusion Championships (NCIC) and the Australian Deaf Cricket Team.

The problem? Cricket Australia had full control.

Under its agreements, DCA:

  • Lost its autonomy to run independent competitions or seek its own sponsorship.
  • Was denied the right to form an Australian Deaf Women’s Cricket Team. This happened despite other countries like India and Sri Lanka already having theirs.
  • Had no say in decisions affecting Deaf cricket at a national level.

Melissa Hale made it clear:

“We knew from 130 years of history how Deaf cricket works. Cricket Australia just did not agree.”

With most hard-of-hearing players growing up in the hearing world, DCA’s biggest fear was the loss of Deaf leadership. They worried that the future of the sport would become just another hearing-dominated system. This change will strip it of the cultural and community values that made it unique.

Melissa Hale, DCA, speaking at the meeting.

A Decision Five Years in the Making

For over five years, Deaf Cricket Australia pushed for greater Deaf leadership. They also advocated for Deaf mentors and a structure that protected Deaf culture within the sport.

But the barriers were impossible to break. Cricket Australia repeatedly denied requests for a Deaf Women’s team. They offered no explanation. The organization also blocked attempts to secure independent sponsorship due to corporate agreements.

Audience member, Tamara Trina spoke for women in the Deaf community. She felt that Cricket Australia’s attitude towards deaf women is Audist and quite discriminatory. This attitude extends to deaf people.

Faced with no alternative, DCA made the painful decision to cease operations and seal its history. The name, logo, and trophies—including the prestigious Webby Cup and Abraham Shield—will now be preserved as historical artifacts.

A Tearful Goodbye: Holding Composure in the Face of Heartbreak

The most gut-wrenching moment of the night came when Melissa Hale, Justin Bergin, and James Hale gave their final remarks.

Each one fought back tears as they addressed the audience. Their voices wavered, and their hands trembled as they signed, trying not to break down. The weight of their words was heavy, and everyone in the room felt their pain.

Justin Bergin has been part of Deaf Cricket Australia since 1994. He shared how difficult it was to explain this decision. He found it challenging to communicate it to DCA life members like John Webb OAM, Kevin Smith, and Tony Clews.

“It’s been part of my life for 30 years. This was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.”

James Hale alluded to the internal battles and sleepless nights that went into this decision. He recalled a painful meeting with state representatives in March 2024. During that meeting, it became clear that DCA can no longer continue.

Melissa Hale, visibly struggling to keep her emotions in check, admitted:

“.. the three of don’t really want to be here tonight. We do know that the three of us are going to break your hearts.”

As they spoke, the room was silent. Many in the audience had tears in their eyes. The heartbreak was not just theirs—it belonged to the entire Deaf cricketing community.

What Happens Now?

With DCA gone, the NCIC will continue under Cricket Australia’s control, but with no Deaf leadership. This raises urgent concerns:

  • Without Deaf mentors, how will new Deaf players be welcomed into the sport?
  • Will Deaf culture and identity be respected in a hearing-dominated system?
  • Can Deaf Sports Australia (DSA) step in and make sure that Deaf cricket doesn’t disappear entirely?

Phil Harper from Deaf Sports Australia acknowledged these challenges. He admitted that DSA oversees 16 different sports. It does not have the resources to take over grassroots Deaf cricket development.

A Loss Felt Across Generations

The closure of Deaf Cricket Australia is more than just a sporting decision. It is a cultural loss for the Deaf community.

For 130 years, Deaf cricket has not just been a game. It is a place of belonging. It was a space where Deaf people connect through their language, identity, and shared experiences.

Now, that space is gone.

A Call to Action

The future of Deaf cricket now lies in the hands of the players and the community. Cricket Australia will continue running its teams. Yet, the question remains: Will Deaf players be capable of finding playing opportunities in this new system? Or will Cricket Australia’s decision be the beginning of the end for Australia’s biggest deaf sport?

If the community wants change, now is the time to step ahead. They should contact Deaf Sports Australia. It’s important to push for a system that respects Deaf identity and leadership.

For now, Deaf Cricket Australia is gone. But the spirit of its players, past and current, will never be forgotten.

#DeafCricketAustralia #EndOfAnEra #CricketForTheDeaf #DeafSports #CricketAustralia #InclusiveSport #DeafCommunity #130YearsOfHistory.

Challenges Facing DeaflympicsGB Sports Ahead of 2025 Deaflympics

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As Great Britain and other nations prepare for the 2025 Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo in 306 days time, several challenges emerge, particularly when compared to nations that provide robust governmental recognition and funding for their deaf athletes.

Funding Disparities

In the UK, elite deaf athletes often receive less financial support than their counterparts in the Olympics and Paralympics. This lack of elite funding hinders their access to top-tier training facilities, coaching, and competition opportunities, potentially affecting performance levels. In contrast, countries with substantial government backing can offer their athletes comprehensive support, leading to a more conducive environment for success. Chris Ratcliffe, CEO of UK Deaf Sport explains to the BBC why “We have to fund the Deaflympics Ourselves”

Recognition and Awareness

The Deaflympics historically receive less media coverage and public attention in Great Britain compared to the Olympics and Paralympics. This limited visibility results in fewer sponsorship opportunities and a lack of public support, which are crucial for athlete development and morale. Nations that actively promote deaf sports and celebrate their athletes’ achievements tend to foster a more inclusive sporting culture.

Access to Training Facilities

Deaf athletes in the UK face challenges in accessing training facilities equipped to meet their specific needs. This includes the availability of sign language interpreters and coaches trained to work with deaf athletes. Without adequate facilities and support, athletes may struggle to reach their full potential. In contrast, countries with dedicated resources for deaf athletes can provide tailored training environments that enhance performance. It has been argued that there is coaching talent and experience within the Deaf sports community, that would provide the coaching and technical support required which then reduces the need for expensive interpreting and the deployment of coaches who may be highly qualified but lack the communication skills and cultural essence needed to lead in elite sport.

International Competition Experience

Limited funding and support can restrict opportunities for British deaf athletes to compete internationally, which is vital for gaining experience and improving performance. Regular exposure to international competitions allows athletes to benchmark against top competitors and adapt to different competitive environments. Countries that invest in sending their athletes to international events provide them with invaluable experience that can be advantageous during the Deaflympics.

Advocacy and Policy Support

The level of advocacy and policy support for deaf athletes varies between countries. In the UK, the #FairPlayforDeafAthletes campaign is advocating stronger policies form the Department of Culture, media and Sport that will ensure equal opportunities and support for deaf athletes. The UK may argue that the current economic climate makes it very difficult to provide such funding but this will not stand up against the commitments made by countries such as Ukraine whose resources are also engaged in the heroic defence of their territory in war with Russia.

Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from sports governing bodies, policymakers, and the community to ensure that British deaf athletes are adequately supported and prepared to compete on an equal footing with their international counterparts at the 2025 Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo.

Show your support for DeaflympicsGB

Make a donation to support Great Britain’s athletes as they prepare for Tokyo! https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/deaflympicsgb

Ukraine Strengthens Support for Deaflympians

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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.
Logo of Ukraine Deaf Sport

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

Documentary Film Preview: “Watch Us Roar”

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A new documentary from BSLBT gives a riveting insight into the GB Women’s Deaf Futsal Team’s 2024 Winter Deaflympics journey

Sign Language version of the article

On July 16th, sports enthusiasts and documentary lovers alike will be treated to a compelling new film, “Watch Us Roar.” This 30-minute, BSLBT- commissioned documentary, produced by Flashing Lights and set to broadcast on BSL Zone, delves deep into the world of the Great Britain Women’s Deaf Futsal team as they navigate the intensity and drama of the Winter Deaflympics in Erzurum, Türkiye, held in March this year. With a storyline that intricately weaves through personal and collective challenges, “Watch Us Roar” promises to be an eye-opener on multiple fronts. Indeed, this documentary comes with a trigger warning at the beginning.

The documentary sheds light on the daunting decisions and mounting tensions the team faces, particularly against the backdrop of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) decision to withhold funding for Deaflympic sports. This year, marking the 100th anniversary of the Deaflympic Games, is particularly significant as it was the first time Futsal was included in the competition. The lack of financial support forces both the team management to take calculated risks, and the footballers to divert their focus from crucial preparations to fundraising efforts. This narrative thread underscores the stark realities and emotional toll of competing at such high stakes without adequate support.

One of the central figures in “Watch Us Roar” is Marios Costi, the team’s head coach. The film offers an intimate look at his tactical skills and the emotional depth of his coaching style, which many viewers might find unexpectedly intense by contemporary standards. Costi’s vulnerability and passion are laid bare, presenting a multifaceted view of a coach under pressure. His approach culminates in a dramatic and candid team meeting, where players are invited to express their honest thoughts and feelings, leading to explosive tensions and significant fallouts.

On top of the gripping narrative surrounding the team as a whole, “Watch Us Roar” also delves into the personal journeys of three key players, adding a deeply private dimension to the documentary. By following these athletes closely, the film provides intimate insights into their individual struggles, triumphs, and motivations. This personal focus encourages viewers to connect on a more emotional level with the team, fostering a sense of empathy and support. Through their stories, the audience is invited to not only witness the collective challenges of the team but also to champion the personal adventures of these remarkable women as they strive to achieve their dreams on the world stage.

“Watch Us Roar” does more than just document a sports team’s journey; it provides an unfiltered look into the dynamics of teamwork, the strains of underfunding, and the raw emotions that fuel athletic competition. Deaflympians represent Great Britain at the Winter and Summer Deaflympics under the banner of DeaflympicsGB, authorized by UK Deaf Sport. The documentary is essential viewing for anyone who enjoys sports and is curious about the often-unseen drama of team meetings and behind-the-scenes preparations during major competitions.

Mark your calendars for July 16th – “Watch Us Roar” is a must-watch that will leave you with a profound appreciation for the resilience and spirit of the Great Britain Women’s Deaf Futsal team.

Follow the BSL Zone and get ready for the documentary on 16th July 2024.

Fair Play for Deaflympic Athletes: Post-election Alliance Building and Advocacy

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“Amidst election preparations, the #FairPlayforDeafAthletes campaign highlights the need for equitable funding, showing significant backing from the British Sign Language community.”

Over the past 6 months there has been an online petition to change the UK government policy to fund Deaflympic athletes that garnered 8,333 signatures, which fell short of the 10,000 needed for a government response and the 100,000 required for a parliamentary debate. This petition closed on the 20th May deadline this week.

Let’s consider the merits of this petition using percentages to better illustrate the support within the context of the UK population and the British Sign Language (BSL) community:

UK Deaf Sport’s delegation to the Sports Minister 13th May 2024

 Proportional Representation and Advocacy

1. Population Context:

   – The UK has a population of approximately 60 million people. Within this population, around 175,000 individuals are sign language users ranging from those who use it as their first language and others who have required it by learning the language and being exposed to and involved in Deaf community activities such as Deaf sport. This group includes deaf, hard of hearing and hearing individuals.

   – The 8,333 signatures represent about 0.014% of the total UK population. This may seem like a small percentage, but it’s more significant when viewed within the context of the BSL community.

   – Within the BSL community, 8,333 signatures equate to roughly 4.8%. This demonstrates a strong level of support and engagement from the BSL community itself.

2. Awareness and Mobilization:

   – The campaign successfully mobilized nearly 5% of the BSL community, indicating a high level of concern and commitment to the issue within this group.

   – However, to reach the thresholds set for government responses or parliamentary debates, the campaign needs to extend its reach beyond the immediate community to garner broader public support.

3. Legitimacy of the Petition:

   – Despite not meeting the required thresholds, the petition shows substantial support from a dedicated community, highlighting the legitimacy and urgency of the issue.

– The 10,000 and 100,000 thresholds are 0.0167% and 0.167% respectively of the UK population

– The 8,333 signatures are 4.8% of the UK’s BSL community.

   – This level of support within a specific community suggests the issue deserves attention and should not be dismissed due to the overall percentage being small in the context of the entire UK population.

Map from the petition website showing signatures represented EVERY constituency of the UK except one. The darker shading showing signatures with higher % of each area.

 Implications of the Government Shutdown for the General Election due on 4th July 2024

1. Impact on Current Advocacy:

   – With the government shutdown for the General Election campaign, parliamentary activities will be paused, delaying any immediate action on the petition.

   – This period can be challenging for advocacy efforts as the focus shifts to election campaigns.

2. Strategic Opportunities:

   – The election period presents an opportunity to engage with MPs and candidates, pressing them to include support for Deaflympic funding in their election platforms.

   – This can be a strategic moment to bring the issue to the forefront and secure commitments from candidates.

 Options and Next Steps for #FairPlayforDeafAthletes

1. Lobbying and Advocacy:

   – Engage with political candidates and parties to secure pledges of support for Deaflympic funding.

   – Organize meetings, write letters, and use social media to highlight the importance of this cause during the election period. https://ukdeafsport.org.uk/fairplayfordeafathletes/

2. Public Awareness Campaign:

   – Increase the visibility of the campaign through media outreach, collaborations with other advocacy groups, and public demonstrations.

   – Share personal stories of Deaflympic athletes and the impacts of funding shortages to garner public sympathy and support.

3. Future Petitions and Partnerships:

   – Consider launching another petition after the election, with strategies to surpass the required thresholds.

   – Partner with broader disability and sports organizations to expand the support base and increase reach for future petitions.

4. Direct Engagement with Elected Officials:

   – After the election, engage directly with newly elected MPs to advocate for policy changes and secure their commitment to supporting Deaflympic athletes.

   – Identify supportive MPs who can champion the cause within Parliament and help drive policy changes.

Signing Off

While the petition did not meet the required signatures, it demonstrated strong support within the BSL community, representing nearly 5% of this group.

The upcoming election provides a critical opportunity to push the #FairPlayforDeafAthletes agenda by engaging with candidates and raising public awareness.

By leveraging this period strategically and building broader alliances, the campaign can continue to advocate for equitable funding for Deaflympic athletes.

First Deaf Woman Conquers Everest

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Shayna Unger has become the first profoundly deaf woman to climb Mount Everest.

According to gearjunkie.com Shayna and her climbing partner Scott Lehmann who is also profoundly deaf, peaked the summit at 6 a.m. on May 22, 2023.

Unger and Lehmann have been using their Everest expedition to inspire and educate their deaf students and they have an excellent website. with some amazing video footage of their climbs

The first Deaf person to climb Everest was Japanese Deaflympian Satoshi Tamura an alpine skiier, on May 21, 2016, 7 years ago.

Photo: scottshayna.com

Lehmann and Unger have already climbed Denali, Kilimanjaro, Mont Blanc and Aconcagua as an all-Deaf team. They have now completed four of the World’s seven big summits.

Bravo!

ICSD Ask Rukhledev to return his Medal of Honor

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The disgraced former ICSD President Valery Rukhledev as been removed from the list of ICSD Medal of Honor recipients and he has been asked to return the award.

Valery Rukhledev

Rukhledev was the 9th ICSD President form 2013 -2018 despite concerns about his integrity to hold office. The Russian Deaf community had long been dissatisfied with VOG, the All-Russian Society of the Deaf of which he also presided whilst ICSD president.

As we reported here, earlier this month, Rukhledev has been sentenced to seven years on a penal colony for his part in embezzling funds relating to VOG. Because of this, the ICSD Executive has decided to withdraw the medal of Honor that he was awarded in 2017 in recognition of his contributions to international deaf sports. The Executive decided that ‘Mr Rukhledev no longer meets the criteria for this esteemed award.’

ICSD Still Employing Rebrov – People ask ‘What is Going on’?

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The global Deaf community has reacted in frustration to the ICSD handling of further misdemeanours by their Russian-based CEO.

Earlier this month, Deaf sports community watchers were alerted to the fact that the ICSD CEO was endorsing and leading Russia’s plans to hold their own government sponsored, ‘Alternative Summer Deaflympics’ because they, along with Belarus are banned from international competitions due to their stance on the illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Nothing wrong with Russia doing their own thing, they have to to everything they can to keep the Russian population in the dark on what’s happening in Ukraine.

But a news video broadcasted on You Tube by Russian Deaf Television, shows Dmitry Rebrov, the employee of the ICSD and supposed guardian of the Deaflympic brand, endorsing the “Alternative Deaflympic Summer Games” in Ufa, Russia.

video created by Russian Deaf TV

Shocked by this blatant disregard for the integrity of Deaf sport, and a claim that Russia intends to invite other nations to participate, the Deaflympic historian Pinchas, shared the story and video on 3rd March asking what ICSD planned to do about it.

On 21st March, ICSD issued a statement that:

“According to our current information, the sports event is organised by the Government of the Russian Federation and the All-Russian Sports federation of Deaf Sport (OSFSG). The sports organisation is not a member of the ICSD. According to the sports federation, the word “Deaflympics” will not be used officially at the event.

The ICSD will not give any form of permission for the use of the word ‘Deaflympics’ and will closely monitor the organisation of the Russian Summer Games of Deaf Athletes “We are Together” and if necessary, take action and take any necessary steps against any possible unlawful use of the word “Deaflympics”.

The statement finished by explaining their actions towards Rebrov: “Mr. Dmitry Rebrov has agreed to refrain from promoting and organising the Summer Games of Deaf Athletes “We are Together Sport”.

Once again, people are feeling that Rebrov brings the ICSD and the Deaflympics into disrepute, and infuriated Deaf people have commented on this direct to ICSD, that stronger action should be taken by the ICSD Board. Indeed how on earth are they going to ‘closely monitor‘ what’s going on in Russia ?

“Imagine if the well known Deaf sports historian did not post (the story) on social media it would have made things worse for ICSD. Why didn’t the ICSD CEO inform ICSD about the alternative Deaflympics in the first place. It sounds very strange and awkward.” Donal Desmond

“While Russian athletes are banned from competing in most international sport, due to multiple state sponsored doping and their highly illegal invasion of Ukraine, ICSD should not be employing a Russian! He has been guilty of audiogram fraud. This undermines ICSD’s efforts to build a good reputation” John Neilson

Of course, Miguel Alejandro and others are wondering “why all the fuss” when we should be promoting and putting Deaf athletes first. But this is seen as ignorant and the lack of concern for the unprofessionalism and disregard shown by Rebrov continues to go unchecked.

The lukewarm reactions by non-Western nations to Russian doping, audiogram frauds, imposter athletes and ICSDs continuance to employ a Russian to oversee Deaf sport and to appoint Russians as Technical Directors etc reflects the geopolitical attitude towards the West that we see in mainstream society and such sentiments are no different in the global Deaf community. Perhaps that explains why Rebrov still has a job and why, as far as we know, the IOC has not yet restored it’s funding and full support to ICSD.

Former ICSD President Sentenced to 7 years in a Penal Colony

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The court sentenced the ex-head of VOG Rukhledev to 7 years in prison for a multi-million dollar embezzlement

The Khamovniki Court of Moscow today, March 22, 2023, sentenced the former president of the All-Russian Society of the Deaf (VOG) Valery Rukhledev to 7 years in a penal colony in the case of multimillion-dollar embezzlement of the organization’s funds.

According to TASS, “the court decided to find Rukhledev guilty and sentence him to 7 years in a penal colony,” the judge announced the decision.

In addition, the court announced the verdict for other defendants. Thus, the former VOG lawyer Yevgeny Novoseltsev was sentenced to 6.5 years in prison, and the court appointed Tatyana Zembatova, head of the finance department, 4.5 years in a penal colony.

According to media reports, a criminal case on the theft of more than 300 million roubles in the All-Russian Society of the Deaf was initiated in 2018 under the article fraud on an especially large scale, it was then that the investigation detained Novoselets, who also headed the VOG subsidiary. Later, the then president of the VOG, Rukhledev, Zembatova, and legal assistant Irina Rudenko were detained. The Rudenko case was separated into a separate proceeding and considered in a special order, since she repented and fully admitted her guilt.

Rukhledev was also President of the ICSD (International Deaf Sport for the Deaf) he was elected in 2013 and then removed after he was placed under house arrest in 2018.