Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia
27 - 28 March 2015
Day 1: Friday, 27 March 2015
(Morning)
1. Welcome:
ICSD President, Dr. Valery Rukhledev welcomed everyone to the ICSD 45th Congress.
Dmitry Rebrov, ICSD CEO informed the Congress of the sudden death of Argentina’s delegate this morning.
Appointment of Minutes taker of the Congress:
Mr. Martin Bogard was appointed as the Minutes taker of the Congress.
Appointment of Moderator of the Congress:
Dr. Markku Jokinen was appointed as the moderator of the Congress.
Markku Jokinen welcomed everyone and he hoped the Congress would go smoothly.
2. Roll Call:
David Lanesman – Roll call: Representatives of 54 countries were present (108 members but 9 had outstanding debts, so that meant only 99 active members).
Kjell Gunna wanted to know if three ICSD Associate members were included. Dmitry Rebrov responded that only two associate members were in the ICSD: Golf and Basketball but only Basketball representative was present.
Markku Jokinen welcomed the Representative of Ministry of Sports of the Russian Federation, Ms. Marina Tomilova.
She thanked the ICSD for inviting her and also thanked Khanty-Mansiysk for hosting the 18th Winter Deaflympics as well as giving her best wishes to all competing athletes.
3. In Memoriam:
There was one-minute silence for all athletes, coaches, leaders, who had passed away since 2013.
Those names were listed below:
➢ Karl-Werner Broska (Germany)
➢ Franz Eberherr (Germany)
➢ Dmytro Maksymov (Ukraine)
➢ Gyorgy Weltner (Hungary)
➢ Wouter Dekker (Netherlands))
➢ Eric Chouinard (Canada)
➢ Cliff Beaulieu (Canada)
➢ Muhammad Saleem (Pakistan)
➢ Rudi van Peristein (Netherlands)
➢ Al-Ezzi Hakim (Yemen)
➢ Romano Stroppini (Switzerland)
➢ Alojzy Krzyszteczko (Poland)
➢ Manfred Cossman (Germany)
➢ Freek Wijhuisen (Netherlands)
4. Appointment of Scrutineers:
Tobias Burz, Reed Gershwind and Ralph Fernandez = Approved.
5. Adoption of Agenda:
Great Britain requested to add an item to the 45th Congress agenda. ICSD Legal Commission explained that delegates should have informed ICSD Secretariat beforehand and not at the floor unless there were at least 75 percent of vote to approve adding the item to the agenda. Great Britain then gave 1-minute video clip explaining the issue of the item which was related Audiogram criteria.
Vote of Great Britain’s proposal:
Yes - 33
Abstain - 12
No - 5
Great Britain’s proposal rejected (Failed to meet 75% of vote)
Vote to approve the ICSD 45th Congress Agenda:
Yes - 43
Abstain - 7
No - 1
ICSD 45th Congress Agenda approved.
6. Confirmation of Minutes of ICSD 44th Congress in Sofia, Bulgaria:
ICSD 44th Congress in Sofia (July 2013) - Approved.
Vote to proceed approved.
7. Biennial ICSD Report for the period 2013-2014:
A PowerPoint presentation was given by Dr. Valery Rukhledev, ICSD President which includes positive relationship with the IOC and working on MOU, possibly moving the office to Lausanne, Switzerland, the managing of getting several sponsors to cover costs for the 18th Winter Deaflympics. He then thanked the volunteers for helping with the ICSD during the time of difficulty. Also, Rukhledev thanked Mr. Kaveh Mehrabi, the IOC Representative from Iran who had come to the ICSD Congress.
Rebrov praised the ICSD Executive Board members for their good teamwork. He mentioned that he had more responsibilities than he would normally have in his position due to the lack of materials he had received from the previous Secretariat staff. Rebrov thanked some volunteers for their times to help him during that difficult time. Rukhledev made excellent contacts with important people in the IOC and they now have a good chance to obtain MOU with the IOC, hopefully by December 2015. Rebrov was pleased that IOC had developed better relations with the ICSD.
Comments to the President’s report:
Ukraine: Congratulated ICSD President for his good work.
Lithuania: Countries should give more support towards the World Deaf Championships etc.
Armenia: Rukhledev had the stamina to approach the powerful people and needs more supports from the countries. Delegates need to contact their NOCs more effectively.
Macedonia: We should be able to contact our NOC more easily after Rukhledev’s achievement in setting aside politics and giving more sports-family support to the President’s efforts.
Sweden: Went to FIBA Congress to share more on DIBF and realising that most countries were not aware about deaf basketball so they were encouraged to share awareness on deaf basketball in their own countries.
Iran: Each country should work harder to organise the sporting events themselves.
Germany: Knew Thomas Bach well for 10 years, advised him to contact the ICSD President.
End of Morning Session
(Afternoon)
Switzerland arrived = Now 55 countries in total
8. Financial Report
The report was presented by Mr. John Skjeveland, the ICSD Accountant, who provided the 2009-2014 Financial report for review.
Comments to the ICSD Financial report:
➢ USA wanted to know why there were extremely high expenses on total personnel, contractor and legal work
➢ Due to a court order, no details can be revealed.
➢ Germany wanted to know why there were so little details on income and expenses.
➢ It was due to 2013 and 2014 accounts being unaudited.
➢ USA was shocked to see money from Jerald Jordan’s legacy being lost and wanted to know how the ICSD Board would obtain future funds, and how they would control the expenses to retain Jerald’s fund first as well as their future plan.
➢ John pointed out that the ICSD still had $77K. Rukhledev pointed out that previous Secretariat staff had spent the amount of money massively. It will not happen again in the future. The $172K received from the IOC, will be strictly controlled by the ICSD Executive Board members. Rukhledev will ask IOC to increase their contributions and to seek sponsors to obtain more funds. Rebecca Adam also pointed out that more incomes should come from the future World Deaf Championships and we must prevent of any Deaflympics cancellations. Kang Chen planned to increase media coverage worldwide to improve Deaf sport awareness to obtain better sponsors.
➢ Armenia: Needed to know why it was not controlled by the former ICSD President.
➢ Rebecca explained that According to the ICSD Constitution, President and Vice President - World Sports are responsible but Josef had left and no Vice President was available which meant that the previous President was the sole person. The existing constitution would need to be reviewed where the ICSD Board would have the power to make the decision.
➢ USA – Needed to understand what did the Court say after the case.
➢ Rebecca responded that the ICSD Board had been advised by the lawyers not to say anymore.
➢ Canada: Wanted to know the purpose of $225K from Jerald’s fund.
➢ Donalda Ammons of USA responded that it was signed in agreement any interests earned from Jerald’s endowment fund was for office use only. Rebecca would discuss this further with USA.
➢ Armenia said that the previous President was solely responsible for the mess that had affected its country. Since the ICSD did not want to use names of the previous administration in their ICSD meetings, Armenia wanted to know if they would be allowed to use the names of those involved during meetings in their own country.
➢ Rebrov explained that he received no report from the previous President so he cannot give any comment and he could not stop any country from making any remarks.
➢ Ireland asked if the Board could email all countries to explain that the case had been closed and no further discuss can be made per Court order.
➢ The Board would mention that in the email accordingly.
Dr. Rukhledev has invited Dr. Donalda Ammons and the previous President to the ICSD 45th Congress, but the latter could not come. Rukhledev went to London with Mr. Kang Chen and Mr. Dmitry Rebrov for a meeting. The previous President gave him an USB thumb drive, saying that it contained all information, but it was not the case. Rukhledev had asked those from the previous ICSD administration several times to get all the documents. He was hopeful to get them in time for the 2017 Congress.
(After mid-afternoon break)
9. Reports from Regionals Confederations & Commissions
❖ EDSO (Europe):
Bjorn Roine was pleased to see many delegates from EDSO present. EDSO had its Congress in September 2014 in Antalya, Turkey. EDSO now have Commissions (Legal, Doping and Sports). EDSO had organised several European Championships. Bjorn pointed out that Football Commission has a good relationship with UEFA and EDSO have several qualified deaf referees. EDSO had MoU with EUD (European Union for the Deaf). EDSO had organised some seminars.
❖ CADS (Africa):
Peter Kalae explained that since 2013, some countries had problems in communication with their own Governments. If IDC was accepted by the IOC, then the CADS’s relationship with the Governments would be improved.
❖ APDSC (Asia):
Byun Senungil reported that APDSC had organised football competition in 2011, Asian Deaf Sports in Korea in 2012, football competition in Iran in 2014, and badminton championships in Taiwan in 2014. The next Asian Deaf Games will be in Taiwan in October 2015.
❖ PANAMDES (Americas):
Gigi Fiset explained that “PANAMDES” will be changed into “Americas” soon. The new committee had developed the plan well and met in Brazil for future plans to build a better and stronger Americas.
Comments to the Regional Confederations Reports:
➢ Sweden would like to know why there were no women on the board for EDSO, CADS and APDSC.
➢ EDSO blamed the nations for sending only men. The CADS had members from 24 nations, but only three women were Board members. APDSC had members from 33 nations but none of the board members were women. PANAMDES had members from 12 nations but only 2 women were board members.
➢ Armenia advised APDSC to keep their Regional TDs until the regional games were done instead of removing them and selecting new TDs.
➢ Ireland was concerned about the poor communication by the APDSC Board which had led to some sports cancellations. Ireland requested that the ICSD supervise the APDSC.
➢ Marjio Lusic pointed out that if the IOC approves them to use the new title “IDC,” that it may help African and Asian nations obtain some funding from their Governments to send more delegates. Also, more women were needed to attend the Congress.
❖ Women Commission:
Dr. Johanna Mesch gave a presentation on “Women’s Equality and Right to Play” conjunction with Women Sport International (WSI) to promote an increase of women participants for several sporting events of all levels. And also for them to attend other important conferences. The ICSD had signed the MoU with IWG recognizing the importance of sports and physical activity play in the lives of girls and women.
❖ Technical Commission:
Mr. Tobias Burz explained that the ICSD Technical Commission consisted of TDs and that they are focusing on General Technical Regulations, new TD and TD Assistant, Handbook and Technical Regulations. If there were any sport-related issue including proposals being raised or other new ideas, the Technical Commission will review them first before making some recommendations to the ICSD Board. The Technical Commission met monthly since October 2014 via ooVoo and/or Skype.
Comments to the ICSD Commissions Reports:
➢ Austria would like to know if the ICSD plans Deaf Youth Sports.
➢ An ICSD EC would say more about it as “Youth Sports” was already on the Agenda.
➢ Sweden pointed out that the DIBF, according to their status, that women automatically have two places in the ICSD Board. They wondered if ICSD could do the same.
➢ Belgium would like to know if the ICSD has Athletics Commission.
➢ The ICSD CEO explained that he has met a member from the IOC yesterday to discuss on the issue of Athletics Commission and the ICSD will recruit new commission soon.
➢ Germany would like to know when the shooting records would be approved.
➢ The ICSD CEO needs to wait for an approval from an shooting TD first before he could release them.
Day 1 of Congress End
Day 2: Saturday, 28 March 2015
(Morning)
Roll Call: 53 countries were present.
❖ Anti-Doping Commission:
Rebrov explained that the ICSD has three hearing persons who are doctors, and they had worked with the WADA. More details could be obtained from the official WADA website.
❖ Audiological Commission:
Rebrov explained that the ICSD has three American persons who are doctors and more persons would be involved from different regions. Marjio would be the chair of the audiological commission. The procedure of using the official audiogram form would remain the same.
❖ Legal Commission:
Tiffany Williams explained that she used to work with the ICSD as a CEO and had a good relationship with the past legal Commission. She stressed how important it was for the Board to take the responsible for all financial affairs and according to the constitution, the ICSD needs to have a management team to improve all communication needs.
Roll Call update: Turkey arrived = Now 54 countries.
10. Admissions and Recognition of Associate Membership Applications:
Rebrov explained that ICSD had received three new members: one full member was from Romania and two associate members for the DIFA (Football) and the ICCD (Chess), but Romania did not submit the documents to the ICSD so his membership had to be suspended until further notice.
❖ The DIFA (Football) gave a brief report of their involvement since 2011, and they had a meeting annually in different venues. The DIFA had created a constitution that had been approved legally with seven Board members. The DIFA organised a festival day with children games of football. The DIFA had signed to work with the ICSD for future plans and developments including youth football.
Questions and responses;
➢ Italy would like to know if the DIFA had already been approved by the ICSD.
➢ Donalda Ammons explained about the correct procedure for a federation to become a member of the ICSD and that it was imperative to have legal Commission to check all necessary documents before submitting them to the Board. If the Board is satisfied with the application, it will be brought up at the next Congress for vote to approve it.
Roll Call update : Iraq arrived = Now 55 countries.
➢ Macedonia needed more information about the DIFA, and who supported the association financially.
➢ The DIFA explained that they aim to have a working relation with the ICSD and all Board members are volunteers.
➢ Germany would like to know if the Legal Commission had approved the DIFA’s application.
➢ Legal Commission explained that all documents had been checked and everything was in order before passing on to the Board.
➢ Ukraine needed to have more documents from DIFA to enable them to submit them to the Government for support.
The ICSD Board members confirmed that they had supported it.
Congress vote for the DIFA to become Associate Member:
Yes - 52
Abstain - 1
No - 0
DIFA to become Associate Member = Passed
❖ The ICCD (Chess) gave a brief report and pointed out that in 1999, the IOC approved Chess to be in the list of sports. The ICCD had five board members all from different countries. The ICSD had requested for a member of ICSD to bring the necessary documents. ICSD requested Chess to be included in the 2019 Winter Deaflympics.
➢ Rebrov explained that the ICCD had a good relationship with the FIDE and must follow ICSD’s regulations including audiogram screening and etc.
➢ The Legal Commission had already seen the copied documents and was satisfied with them.
➢ Board had supported it.
Questions and responses;
➢ The DIBF proposed that the ICSD follow the IOC Olympic sports program. Since Chess is not a part of the Olympics, it should also not be part of Deaflympics.
➢ Macedonia supported the DIBF and it would be OK for World Championships but not Deaflympics.
➢ Bjorn explained that Winter Olympics mean sports with snow and ice only.
➢ Belarus supported Chess to be involved in the Deaflympics as their Government will fund them.
Rebrov pointed out that the discussion should focus on having ICCD become an associate member and that the Chess’s involvement with Deaflympics should be a separate issue.
Congress vote for ICCD to become Associate Member:
Yes - 48
Abstain - 6
No - 0
ICCD to become Associate Member = Passed
11. New Motions for Adoptions:
Rebrov explained that many motions were received but some of them would be discussed by Commissions before submitting them to the Board for approval instead of going thorough the Congress.
1. Uzbekistan: To change the current ICSD subscription fee.
➢ Referred to Commissions and Board.
2. Germany: World Championships and Deaflympics host must provide free transport and offer three different hotels prices.
➢ Referred to Commissions and Board.
3. Germany: All World Championships TD to distribute the report within three months after the Competitions.
➢ Referred to Commissions and Board.
4. Croatia: Deaf athletes being marginalised by Paralympic organisation on sports events.
➢ Referred to the EDSO and Board.
5. Croatia: To rename the ICSD to International Deaflympic Committee (IDC).
➢ Dmitry explained that it was already proposed in 2003 during the Sundsvall ICSD Congress, and IOC had considered it and hopefully MoU would be signed later this year.
6. Croatia: “ICSD Persona-non-Grata” status of Mr. Rafael Pinchas to be removed immediately.
➢ Dmitry explained that ICSD Board had discussed on this issue and agreed to remove his status as Persona-non-Grata. He also pointed out that Rafael and ICSD would meet shortly to sign an agreement that no one would sue each other.
7. Mali: Africa issues to be resolved and to be organised frequently.
➢ Rebrov pointed out that it was matter to sort out by the CADS, not the ICSD.
8. Denmark: Tightening of hearing tests during the Deaflympics and other championships.
➢ Rebrov had already explained that any audiogram issues will be dealt with the audiological commission and all future championships will be dealt with.
9. Azerbaijan: To expel David Lanesman from his Vice President role with ICSD and request Israel Deaf Sport Organisation to assist the ICSD in recovering $14,250 plus accrued interest from him and to have all money be returned to ICSD Treasury immediately.
➢ Azerbaijan withdrew the motion.
10. Cote d’ Ivoire: Africa nations did not communicate between them and requested ICSD to intervene to reorganise CADS.
➢ Rebrov pointed out that it was matter for CADS and not ICSD, but he had been aware of the issues. Referred to the Board.
➢ USA felt that the ICSD should be able to intervene and help the regions to resolve the issues.
11. Thailand: Complained the problem about the 4th World Deaf Futsal Championships in Bangkok and requested that Christof Niklaus (Football TD) to be expelled.
➢ Rebrov explained that the ICSD was very aware of the issue and the Board had discussed about it. Referred to Commissions.
12. Ukraine: Financial sanctions against countries that have submitted their final application to participate in the World Championships but then withdrew its application. the UKR requested “Fees Schedule for the World Championships”.
➢ USA pointed out that no penalty fee details were shown in the ICSD website and advised to post them with full details.
➢ Rebrov pointed out that they would be placed in the website shortly after the Board to discuss on the progress of developing a better ICSD website with full details.
13. Ukraine: To propose to include in the ICSD Regulations for the World Deaf Championships “The representative of the National Deaf Sports Federation should be among Deaf Governing Body of the National Deaf Sports Federation and have rights to represent interests of their own country in Organising Committee, Technical Meetings etc.”
➢ Rebrov explained that Board had discussed this issue and made no objection to this but it should be stated in the Technical Regulations instead of in the Constitution.
14. Malaysia: Establishing the ICSD conference and workshop especially for Asia.
➢ Rebrov explained that Malaysia had made several suggestions on developing a better awareness and more publicity and that it was a matter for the APDSC. He advised them to deal with this and keep the ICSD informed accordingly.
➢ Malaysia responded that they have met their Government and they were unsatisfied with the lack of invitation from the ICSD for the Government officials to attend. Also it was needed for a member of the ICSD to attend their workshop in order to help their Government gain more Deaf awareness.
Responses:
● Sweden: Not satisfied with Dmitry Rebrov for solely answering questions. Felt that the Board members were the ones that should have responded.
● Switzerland pointed out that the ICSD should follow the constitution by having all proposals be sent out at least three months before the Congress. The Board must respect this.
● Rebecca Adam thanked for the feedback and said that most of the issues of the proposals could be resolved by the Board and Commissions. The fact was that not all of the proposals received could be approved at this Congress. However, the Congress wanted to have everyone know that they do acknowledge all of the proposals and take action by offer alternatives for resolutions for those proposals not going through the Congress floor. The Board had accepted that all proposals should be shared with all delegates beforehand and to ensure this would happen next time. In the future, everyone would know what action was going to be on each proposal.
● USA agreed with the SUI’s comment but in the past they lacked having Commission and now we have them which could share the work and suggested that in the future all suggestions or proposals should submit to ICSD nine months before the Congress to give the Board sufficient time to organise the relevant documents to the Commissions to work on them and all comments and proposals would be ready to submit to all nations at least three months before the Congress. This would save of waiting for the next Congress in two years’ time.
● Rebecca supported the USA’s comment by saying that this was an example of how this should be done since we have Commissions to deal with all of the issues and then the CEO would be responsible to follow them up with the relevant nations before the cases could be closed.
● Armenia supported to have Commissions for a speedy progress.
● Switzerland pointed out that any proposal to change the constitution would need to be done at least three months beforehand. All proposals should be reviewed by the Board and to inform in writing to all nations whether they were accepted or rejected.
● Canada had suggested the Board to email the list of 14 proposals and action plans that were referred to the Board and to the Commissions of all nations to effectively share information.
● Switzerland requested that the three remaining proposals that was received to be dealt with at this Congress.
● Rebrov confirmed that all nations would receive information including the action plans soon. He explained that three remaining proposals from Germany and Uzbekistan had been withdrawn.
● Switzerland suggested that in the future, all proposals must be officially endorsed by the ICSD and not by the nation members. It will help avoid confusion.
● USA wanted to understand why more proposals had been made from the floor because they would have liked to make some more proposals right there. However, they will respect the status stating that any proposal must be submitted at least three months before the start of the next Congress.
● Rebrov explained that due to the possibility of changing the title from the ICSD to the IDC, subject to the MoU with the IOC, the constitution would need to changed. Therefore things needed to move forward.
● Rukhledev stressed how important it was for the ICSD to have the MoU with the IOC to obtain an office at Lausanne next to the IOC. This would help them work more closely with IOC. He met the past President of the IOC, Rogge and his committee before he was replaced by Bach to ensure the new President was fully aware of the ICSD. Rukhledev went to the IOC Session in Argentina and had met Bach few times afterwards to the possibility of achieving the MoU by end of this year. Once the MoU has been signed, this would give them the opportunity to change their title to IDC. Rukhledev asked the Congress to vote for the new office in Lausanne and to change the title to IDC.
● Tiffany Williams pointed out that any new motion would require 75% vote first before the progress could be continued.
● USA explained that Valery Rukhledev’s comment was not part of a proposal as it was already proposed in 2003 and 2007 Congresses but as a “Request to reaffirm”. USA asked for clarification if Valery Rukhledev meant to have just a new office or “Legal seat” based in Lausanne.
● Rukhledev responded “Legal seat” with the Lausanne address.
● Great Britain objected to Valery Rukhledev’s addition to the agenda by pointing out about the 75% vote requirement adding new agendas to the existing agendas.
● USA pointed out that Board broke the status by not following three months beforehand as several proposals were accepted so it meant that Congress would have to accept it.
Congress vote for Confirmation on IDC:
Yes - 51
Abstain - 2
No - 1
Confirmation on IDC = Passed
➢ USA asked Valery if he had checked IOC legal status regarding Legal seat.
➢ Rukhledev responded that he had not done yet.
➢ USA proposed Legal Commission to check this first.
Congress vote for Board against USA’s proposal on Legal seat:
Vote for Board’s proposal:
Yes - 34
Abstain - 12
No - 9
ICSD Legal seat = Passed
12. Update and Final Report from 2013 Summer Deaflympics Organising Committee:
Bulgaria explained that originally, Greece was supposed to be the host, but it was withdrawn so it was passed on to Hungary. Unfortunately it was not accepted so the Bulgarian Government signed the MoU last September 2012. Many sports venues were renovated in a very short notice as well as managing to organise the programs and several hotels. Due to the new election of Government in February 2013 to form a new Government, the Bulgarian Government decided to withdraw so the BDSF decided to take the whole responsibility to continue with the plan by obtaining several sponsors successfully. The BDSF thanked the ICSD and the TDs for their excellent supports throughout the difficult time. The federation lost $20,000 and the report had been sent to the ICSD. The copies with full results of the Deaflympics will be sent to each nation.
13. Progress Report from 2015 Winter Deaflympics Organising Committee:
Alexander Romantsov, the Chair of Russian Organising Committee began to work with Khanty-Mansiysk one year ago. In March 2014, The TDs came here to do site inspections and giving feedbacks. The only big issue was that the Giant Slalom slope was too short so they found one in Magnitogorsk, which would involve two separate OCs. The sponsorships were made by Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug - 75%, and Ministry of Sports of the Russian Federation - 20%. The Russian Committee of Deaf Sports covered return flights from Khanty-Mansiysk to Magnitogorsk for the competitors, coaches and officials totalling 165 persons.
14. Progress Report from 2017 Summer Deaflympics Organising Committee:
The President of Turkey Deaf Sports Federation explained that he was newly elected and had handed the responsibility over to Deaflympics Organising Committee to give a report on the progress. A video clip showing the facts of the City of Samsun and sporting venues included the details of the Deaflympics Village. The “Deaflympics Park” will be open in October 2015 and the construction of all sport venues to be completed in 2016 and to organise some sporting competitions called “Deaflympics Test Events” in July 2016 and the accommodation capacity is 11,700. There will be many volunteers and staff to assist everyone.
● Kang Chen pointed out that he and others went to Samsun few months ago for pre-inspection. There will be another one to make sure everything is in progress as planned with Donalda being involved to the highest standard as possible.
15. Selection of the venue for 2018 Summer Youth Deaflympics:
Argentina explained that there was a hearing Youth Olympics and then Youth Paralympics, so they decided that Youth Deaflympics should be involved too. They had discussed with the ICSD Board for their support before approaching IOC. Argentina suggested that the next Youth Deaflympics should follow Youth Olympics and Paralympics in 2022.
● David Lanesman thanked Argentina for accepting to host 1st Youth Deaflympics in 2018 and stressed that everyone needs to support this because the IOC would need to know if there will be another one in 2022 and again 2026 before they would support the title “Youth Olympics”. David begged to all nations to support this. Once the ICSD nations show support, then Argentina would be able to gain a support from the IOC.
● Sweden has supported it and is considering to be the host in 2022. But this must be discussed with their Board first.
● USA suggested that if the title “Youth Deaflympics” is not possible, we could use “World Deaf Youth Games” instead.
● The Board explained that this would mean that the discussion of the issue needs to continue and to be approved at the next Congress in 2017.
● USA would like to know if the ICSD does have Youth Commission.
David responded that ICSD does have Youth Commission.
16. Selection of the venue for 2019 Winter Deaflympics:
Donalda Ammons explained that she is a member of Deaflympics Evaluation Commission focusing on all future Deaflympics and the next one would be searching for the host for Winter Deaflympics in 2019. She felt it was imperative to have site bids start at least 6 years beforehand. Donalda had managed to find a possible country to host it but will work with the country first before making an announcement. She stressed that nations need their help and support. She suggested that the Board have the power to approve it due to time constraint.
The Congress vote had approved to give the power to the Board unanimously.
Donalda Ammons explained that if no Deaf representatives from the possible nation is able to give support, she would contact hearing people to organise it instead.
17. Miscellaneous:
● Malaysia proposed Dr. Donalda Ammons to be an ICSD Honorary Life Member.
o Board would discuss this.
● Ireland asked John Skjeveland to email all nations the full account report including the charts.
● Saudi Arabia pointed out that too few Arab countries were present in spite of trying to help them. This was due to discrimination against Deaf communities. They suggested that ICSD to visit them for support.
● Italy complained about the ICSD website’s lack of accuracy. They had submitted a bid to host the World Deaf Volleyball Championships, but USA had won the votes. Yet, the ICSD website still stated “Vacate”. Italy would like to know why.
● Dmitry Rebrov explained that the ICSD had received three bids and Italy was the last one. The Board and Commissions had been working on it. It will be announced shortly.
● Turkey President expressed how grateful he had been that Turkish Government had finally recognised him as the Deaf President who had attended to high-profile sport departments. He thanked Valery for this to happen.
● Markku Jokinen thanked the ICSD and delegates for the two wonderful days.
18. Closing Address:
Dr. Valery Rukhledev thanked everyone who attended the 45th Congress and for supporting him working with the IOC. He thanked Bulgaria for saving the previous Summer Deaflympics and Russia for organising this Winter Deaflympics in such a short notice. Rukhledev is looking forward to the next Deaflympics in Turkey and thanked the country for their continuing support. He stressed how important it was for future Deaflympics to be well prepared to ensure things were organised well. Rukhledev looks forward to meeting many delegates at the next Congress in 2017. He closed the Congress by giving big thanks to Markku for being a good chair and to the ICSD Executive Board members for their support.
Congress End