On March 11, 1988, more than 2,500 people marched from Gallaudet University to the U.S. Capitol Building as part of the “Deaf President Now” protest | Photo by Gallaudet University
This issue aims to tell you about the latest status of the Inclusion of Deaflympics into the federal Sports Act.
On May 26, 2022, I wrote the below and posted the image on my Facebook page:
This morning, I got an email from Chris McCleary, USOPC General Counsel. About the inclusion of the Deaflympics, he wrote:
"Would it be worthwhile to find a time to discuss this? I want you to know I respect the thought and passion you’ve obviously put into this over the years and that I’m happy to talk if you feel it might help. Not see the legal issue exactly, but that could be part of what we discuss."‘
However, two years passed, and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee's legal department took no action.
At the Commission on the State of U.S. Olympics and Paralympics public hearing on September 6, 2023, Jeff Mansfield, a Deaflympic medalist in ice hockey and current President of the U.S.A. Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF) pled to the commissioners, “I urge the insertion of the Deaflympics into the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports. Act and to USOPC's mandate and for the investment in Deaflympians.”
Two sign language interpreters (R) signed a question from Commionser Nancy Hogshead for USADSF President Jeff Mansfield, holding his notebook. Photo: C-SPAN video screenshot.
Shocking, the CSUSOP did not recommend the 26-year-long request from the past devoted Deaflympians. Instead, the CSUSOP recommended the following in the Report to Congress:
After reading my issue, Come On, USOPC CEO-!Sarah Hirshland, USOPC CEO, emailed me on May 11 that “I’d be more than happy to talk with the Deaf Sports Federation.” I quickly provided her with the USADSF President’s email address.
NOTE: I am not writing this issue as a USADSF official but as a former USOC-appointed delegate to the USOC Committee of Handicapped in Sports (1979-81).
Hirshland’s response was only connected to the trademark.
It is time to find a federal legislator willing to sponsor the bill amending the Deaflympics to the Sports Act.
Yesterday, I walked unexpectedly into the regional office below in Fairmont, West Virginia, and delivered the Deaflympians’ rat-infested 26-year-long written proposal to that Senator’s front desk.
Photo by Howie Gorrell on May 9, 2024
Senator Joe Manchin-??? Well, I have two simple reasons:
His regional office in his hometown of Fairmont, WV, is only 23 driving minutes from my current residence.
Manchin was a co-sponsor of the “Team USA Made in America Act of 2012”, which would require the United States Olympic [and Paralympic] Committee “to purchase or otherwise obtain only uniforms” that meet the standards of the Federal Trade Commission for labeling as `Made in USA.’ Read his 2012 statement.
Let us cross our fingers for Manchin to agree to sponsor the amendment.
I have been on the ‘Deaflympian’s Rights’ story for years and will continue covering it for as long as it takes. To support my work, please consider buying a subscription.
Howard “Howie” Gorrell attended 13 of the last 14 Deaflympics since 1969 and is a 2004 recipient of the USADSF Jerald M. Jordan Award, given to those who exhibit leadership and continuous participation toward the goals of the Deaflympics and the 2011 Art Kruger Award for demonstrating leadership and constant participation, support and contribution in the USADSF over an extended period.
