The Finnish Athletic Association of the Deaf was proud to host the 13th World Winter Games of the Deaf in the northernmost part of the hemisphere. No other Games have been held further north than this location.

At the Congress, CISS voted unanimously to withdraw from International Paralympics Committee and remain independent with support from IOC.

A new award, "Fair Play" is established. This award is presented to an athlete, nominated by CISS Technical Directors, who demonstrates character excellence as an athlete during the Games. United States' Paul Malaney was the first recipient of this award.

The sports offered at the XIII World Winter Games for the Deaf were held in the disciplines of Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing and Ice Hockey.