About Taipei

History of Deaflympics

The Deaflympics were originally known as the World Games for the Deaf. The first Deaflympics were held in Paris, France in 1924. A total of 145 athletes from 9 different countries participated. Ever since, the numbers have increased, with more than 3,600 athletes from 97 countries participating at the 20^th Summer Deaflympics in Melbourne, Australia.

In May 2001, the ICSD was granted permission by the IOC to use DEAFLYMPICS to signify the athletic competition formerly known as the World Games of the Deaf. The first official "Deaflympics" were in Rome, in 2001.

The United States has hosted two Summer Deaflympics, the first in 1965 in Washington, DC. The second Deaflympics the United States hosted was in Los Angeles in 1985.

ICSD

The ICSD was founded as Comité International des Sports des Sourds (CISS) in Paris, France in August 1924, and was the first international organization in the world for athletes with disabilities.

The Executive Board consists of one President, one Vice-President and four members at large. There are four represents in a non-voting capacity that are elected for a term of four years by the Congress held every four years.

The ICSD is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and has the patronage of the IOC each year to support promoting the Games worldwide. There are currently 95 member countries and split among 4 Continental Deaf Sports Confederations in Europe, Asia Pacific, Pan America and Africa.

Donalda Ammons, an American, is the President of ICSD. She has served on the Board of ICSD for more than 10 years and is a former Deaflympic athlete.

Emblem

The design of the emblem for the 21st Summer Deaflympics Taipei 2009 incorporates the following three elements: the Chinese character for north "bei" representing the host city Taipei, an ear representing the Deaflympics, and a figure representing the athletes. These three elements come together to form simple, flowing calligraphic lines that create a sense of dashing forward, while cleverly evoking the image of a running man. This lively emblem symbolizes Taiwan's undying vitality as well as the courageous spirit of deaf athletes as they meet the challenges of competition.

Mascot

The 21st Summer Deaflympics Taipei 2009 has adopted as its mascot the lively Taipei green tree frog (Rhacophorus taipeianus). While it is the tiniest of Taiwan's eight indigenous species of frogs, it is remarkable for its ability to jump long distances. Similarly, although Taiwan is a small island nation, it has impressed the world with its economic power, springing to new heights.

The banyan leaf worn by the male mascot and the azalea flower on the female are respectively the Taipei city tree and flower. They symbolize the city's vision of a fresh and environment-friendly future. The mascots have their arms wide open, in a pose that looks like the Chinese character for north "bei", which represents the host city, Taipei. With open arms and cheerful smiles, Taipei enthusiastically welcomes participants coming from every part of the world!

Bidding History

To read the story of how Taipei won the rights to host the 21^st Summer Deaflympics, click on this link:

http://english.2009deaflympics.org/files/13-1027-871.php

Organizing Committee

This link provides a picture of how the 21^st Summer Deaflympics are structured and organized in a hierarchical format.

http://english.2009deaflympics.org/files/13-1027-872.php