President's Message - January 2006

I send my best wishes for a healthy and prosperous year.  May the new year of 2006 bring us peace on earth.  Exactly one year ago today we bade farewell at the closing ceremony of the 2005 Summer Deaflympics in Melbourne. Time has flown by so quickly.  I am pleased to say the year of 2005 has been very good and productive.

As we start a new year, I would like to discuss the meaning of Olympism.  For millions of people around the world who have been less fortunate, life continues to be difficult.  Understanding and embracing the spirit of Olympism can help us decrease or overcome obstacles in life. Anyone who participates in sports is inevitably instilled with values, which can be simply applied to daily life.  In my position as President, I make a sincere effort to uphold to the ideals and principles of Olympism and also carry on the spirit of our founders Rubens Alcais, and Antoine Dresse. To make our world a better place, I invite each one of you to join me in making a more peaceful community within ourselves.

Exciting news—we have moved again!  Due to a greater need for more office space, we have relocated a few miles away to a duplex building in the north side of Frederick.  Additional space will allow us to set up a display for visitors and a separate room for us to hold a conference.  The address is 528 Trail Avenue, Frederick, Maryland 21701.

I send my heartfelt congratulations to the recipients of the 2005 WIDEX Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Award.  Scott PROSSER of Australia and Ce SHI of China have been selected as the 2005 WIDEX Sportsman and Sportswoman of the year by the member of International Committee of Sports for the Deaf Selections Commission through electronic ballot, by earning 96 and 83 points respectively.  More information on these 2 award recipients can be found in our official website—www.deaflympics.com

I am also pleased to share exciting news about the 2013 Summer Deaflympics. Four (4) cities have expressed their interest in hosting the 2013 Summer Deaflympics. Each bidding city is now preparing a formal bid package for the Executive Committee’s review at its March meeting in Salt Lake City.

Next time I write, I will offer you with some highlights of the site visit of the 2007 Salt Lake City Winter Deaflympics and the Executive Committee’s meetings.

In peace,

Dr. Donalda K. Ammons
President

By Donalda Ammons