We congratulate ICSD on their success to confirm that the Russian Government has pledged it;s support for the next Deaflympic Winter Games to take place from February 27 to March 7, 2015 in Khanty-Mansiysk.

Picture – Khanty-Mansiysk, is located in an oil-rich regions of Russia

Presentation Meeting 14th January – ICSD President Rukhledev in his role as Honourary President of the Russian Committee of Deaf Sports and Mrs Komarova, Governor of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area-Yugra made presentations to the committee Russian international sports competitions which comes under the chair of the Deputy prime Minister of Russia Mr Kozak.

It is reassuring to see ICSD, at the very least, confirming that there is national and local government support for Deaflympic events. The finer details of the agreement are not known at this time as the Russian Committee of Deaf Sports, who are the event host will send all the necessary supporting documents to ICSD as due process within a couple of weeks.

Proposed events in 2015 – Athletes and their coaches can now prepare for the following events cross-country skiing, snowboarding, curling alpine skiing and ice hockey – again all this will be confirmed by ICSD in due course.  If you are not already affiliated to a national Deaflympic team and you wish to be considered for any of the events, you can contact you national deaf sports organisation. If you are eligible to represent Great Britain you can contact the UKDS National Talent Officer.

There was some concern about the ICSD Presidents potential conflict of interests whilst still holding a post within the Russian Deaf Sports Association. It has been clarified that he holds an Honorary Presidential role which suggests that he does not have any direct operational involvement in the RSDA. Mr Alexander Romantsov is President of the RSDA.

Historically, the Deaflympic Games has enjoyed very little economic and media support – and this is especially so for the less well-known Winter Deaflympics. It will be interesting to see if the relationships between the Russian Committee of Deaf Sports, its government and the Regional Governors office can emulate the City of Taipei and their coverage of the 2009 Summer Deaflympics.

The role of governments, the media and other agencies and the promotion of the Summer and Winter Deaflympics can be found in a new book due to be released in a few weeks. Same Spirit Different Team, to be published by AD Books.