With the International Olympic Committee's approval for the word change of "World Games for the Deaf" to "Deaflympics" in May 2001. Rome was the first to host the Summer Deaflympics.

Kristina Dovydaityte of Lithuania received a $3000 Fair Play Award from Widex.

The sports offered at the 19th Summer Deaflympics were held in the disciplines of Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Bowling, Cycling Road, Football, Handball, Orienteering, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball, Water Polo, Wrestling Freestyle and Wrestling Greco-Roman.