To ensure the safety of deaf athletes, teams, families, organization, volunteers and spectators from all over the world, the International Committe of Sport for the Deaf has postponed this year’s summer Deaflympics till May, 2022.
The plural committee of the 2021 summer Deaflympics received a letter from ICSD on 29th January in which the apex sports body for the Deaf expressed concerns over the safety and health of all athletes and others involved.
ICSD suggested to consider postponing the Deaf games till 2022. The rationale for the ICSDs’ request was well understood and accepted and it was decided that the event would now hold between 1st and 15th of May 2022, in Caxias do Sul, Brazil.
Covid-19 restrictions is responsible for the postponement. As vaccines around the world continue to present significant differences from country to country, the measure seeks to guarantee a longer time for immunization of the world’s population. It mirrors the need to rank human health above other considerations. Meanwhile, the quest to stop spread of the virus continues.
The ICSD Executive Board has concluded that the 2021 Summer Deaflympics in Brazil be rescheduled to a date beyond 2021, but not later than summer 2022, in order to safeguard the health of athletes, spectators and the international community.
The body said it will continue to monitor official updates on the pandemic so that the health and safety of everyone remains guaranteed.
“We believe it is an assertive decision that will bring great benefits, both in relation to the organization and in the preparation of Deaf athletes.” It said.