Our Mission: To develop the social and community benefits of Deaf/Hard of Hearing participation at grassroots, club, national levels and potential athletes to take part in competitions at a competitive level.

__________________

Opening hours: Mon to Thurs: 9am to 5.30pm Friday: 9am to 4pm __________________ Executive Committee: President: Kevin Lynch V-President: Gerald Dunne Secretary: Eoin Nolan Treasurer: Donal Desmond Connacht: Ann O’Neill Munster: John Heenan Leinster: Kevin Stanley Ulster: Michael Johnston

Inside this issue:

August 2013 Special Issue: Deaflympics

E-Newsletter

President’s Message 2

Paul Ryder’s Message 2

Chef De Mission Message 3

‘Sport Changing Lives’ 3

Team Ireland 4

Team Announcement 5

Team Ireland Depart 6

Opening Ceremony 7

Irish Badminton Doubles 8

Irish Badminton Singles 8

Irish Badminton Singles 9

Irish Badminton Singles 10

Irish Men’s Football 11

Irish Men’s Football 12

Irish Men’s Football 13

Closing Ceremony 14

Team Ireland Return 15

Visiting Irish Embassy 16

New ICSD President 16

Our Sponsors 17

Team Ireland Supporters 18

Irish Men’s Football Team Rank 6th

Badminton Players Fight Hard in Tough Draw

Page 2

Administrator/Sport Development Officer Paul Ryder’s report

President’s Message

Hello..

Where does the time go? It was a crazy busy few months since the beginning of 2013. With preparation for the Deaflympics, which was the toughest job I have ever done. The preparations were much easier in 2009, at Taipei, because they prepared in 4 years but I am thankful to the Bulgarians for organising the Deaflympics within 8-10 months, to make Deaf athletes dreams come true. I want to congratulate the Football & Badminton teams for their achievements and they certainly made Irish people proud.

I want to congratulate the Football & Badminton teams for their achievements and they certainly made Irish people proud. I have witnessed that they have trained very hard and gave a lot of their time for their preparation. I want to give special thanks to the Badminton & Football management for all the hard work they did and for raising Irish athletes’ standards. During my spare time, I took the opportunity to witness the Swimming, Athletics and Olympics handball events. I can see the standards have risen since 2009. I also met a lot of old/new friends from different countries and we discussed how the Deaflympics can be improved, especially from a media point of view.

Over the next coming weeks, DSI will do an evaluation of the preparation, team’s performance from the recent Deaflympics and develop a new 4 year plan for the next Deaflympics, in Turkey, in 2017.

Lastly, I want to say thanks for all of our sponsorships & for further investment from the Irish Sports Council to help ease our financial strains for the Deaflympics.

The 22nd Sofia Deaflympics has come and gone and it left us with an impression in how to compare it with the 2009 Taipei Deaflympics, which was far more superior in organisation. However we are forever grateful to the Bulgarian Deaf Federation for offering to host the competition at such short notice. It was organised within eight months. They pointed out that we could have seen it cancelled after Athens and Budapest dropped out at the last minute and it is better to see it being held at all, even with much lower standards.

It was Bulgaria’s 2nd time to host the Deaflympics – the first was in 1993 – exactly 20 years ago.

Ireland sent a party of 26 athletes – 20 football and 3 badminton players as well as management teams.

The Irish football team performed exceptionally well and they did amaze us by being able to play under such a very hot, humid climate – varying between 35-40 degrees. They defeated Nigeria and Japan easily but had a tough match against Russia, the European and now World champions, ending with a draw 0-0. We were unfortunate to have lost to Egypt in a gruelling and hard match ending with score of 4-3 to Egypt, after extra time in the quarter-final round. Then we defeated Turkey, who were previously the World champions by 2-0. We ended up finishing 6

th, after losing to Iran – 2-0. We congratulate the Irish football management

for their sheer dedication and skill in getting the team to the highest world standard and continuing their growth and importance in the world football competition.

The Irish badminton team was drawn in a difficult draw and they did amazingly well against top players from Asian areas.

It is said that it is far more important to participate than to win a medal as our athletes have done and they were honoured to represent their own country at the Deaflympics. Ireland can be extremely proud of their efforts. The players gave everything for the cause but it was not destined to be. Well done to all.

Russia topped the medal table with a massive total of 117 medals – 67 gold, 52 silver & 58 bronze. Ukraine was second, with 88 medals (21 gold). Korea was 3rd with 42 medals (19 gold). USA got only 29 medals (9 gold). Russia sent a huge party of about 500 athletes and officials so you can see how they were able to grab so much by participating in every event for maximum domination. Most countries in West Europe fared very poorly- such as Germany (14 medals), GB (5 medals but no gold). Those without any medals were Denmark, Belgium, Holland, Finland, Spain, Ireland, & Canada. Australia got only one gold, one silver and one bronze. USA used to dominate the medal table but not now came out 6th with 29 medals (9 gold), (8 silver) & (12 bronze).

Donal Desmond and I, as the Irish delegates, attended the three day ICSD Congress with representation from over 70 country-members. It was a long day each time and we found the debates extremely interesting and businesslike even when all in international sign language. We were surprised to see our Irish ISL Interpreter Catherine White signing on the TV screen, who was impeccable in International signs. She worked with ICSD President and Board as their interpreter during the Deaflympics. We were so proud of her indeed. She is now famous all over the world.

The delegates were stunned when President Craig Crowley was defeated by Russian Valery Kukhledev for the presidency by 39 to 33 votes on a second ballot as Mr. Crowley was the favourite for the post. It was Valery’s third attempt for the post. It will be interesting to see how he will shape the future for ICSD as he opposed all plans by Craig such as strategic plans and memorandum of Understanding.

Thanks are due to our Irish officials, Donal Desmond, Paul Ryder, Lorelei Fox-Roberts, Sean Herlihy, Thomas Coyle, Geoffrey Foy, Reggie Dornan, Johnny Acheson & Mark Topping for their wonderful co-operation and support during the two weeks in Sofia. Also to all the Irish athletes. Not forgetting our best supporter, Amanda Dunne who was so helpful to us with dealings in the hotel. Thank you. It was a pleasure to work with them all and they were a great credit to Ireland and to DSI.

Page 3

Chef De Mission Sean Herlihy’s report

I was honoured to be Team Ireland’s Chef de Mission for the 22nd Sofia Deaflympics Games and it was a

fantastic experience. As for Sofia itself, the city holds successful and exhilarating Games, even though they

had only a few months to prepare.

For the hundreds of athletes striving for gold at this year’s 22nd Sofia Summer Deaflympics Games,

unfortunately Men’s Football and Badminton had no medals, but all of our athletes did make us proud. It was a

fantastic experience for everyone during the Games and you can imagine that you live in the village with people

for two weeks, some of them you’ve never met before in your life, and you just grow to have them as part of your family.

There were 23 Irish athletes and most of them have learned something that will bring them back better, stronger, fitter and faster

for whatever is next time around. It’s all credit to the coaches: Mark Topping, Thomas Coyle, Geoffrey Foy, Reggie Dornan and

Jamie Wilson. They have got a great team around them here and also in the background that support the team. I think a lot of

other sports can learn from that.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of our athletes on their performance during the Games and we know that

they did IRELAND proud and also would like to pay tribute to the amazing Irish supporters, both at home and in Sofia/Pravets.

Kelt-Tek AV Productions approached DSI earlier this year,

expressing an interest in including Team Ireland, some of the

Deaflympics tournaments and training in their upcoming

documentary: ‘Sport Changing Lives’, which will be aired on

Setanta Sports later this year.

This was a great opportunity for all

involved as inclusion in the

documentary will help raise awareness

of Deaf sports in Ireland and of the

achievements of Team Ireland’s

athletes, while Martin and Neil from

Kelt-Tek AV Productions had the

opportunity to experience the

Deaflympics and first hand and get to

know the athletes.

Martin and Neil filmed multiple events,

both in Ireland and Bulgaria and everyone

at DSI is looking forward to watching the

finished documentary.

Martin and Neil were a

pleasure to work with

and DSI would like to

thank them for all of

their hard work

throughout the

Deaflympic Summer

Neil interviews a rep from

sponsors Paul W Tracey

Solicitors

Filming at Opening Ceremony

Filming in Pravets

At Team Announcement

‘Sport Changing Lives’ Documentary

Team Ireland

Team Ireland was represented in badminton by three players: Aidan Connor, Johnny Corcoran and Shane Keogh.

All three played in the singles tournament.

Johnny Corcoran and Shane Keogh also competed in the Doubles.

Also pictured here are

badminton Coach Mark

Toping and badminton

Technical Director Ivan

Gryzlov

They are joined by DSI

President Kevin Lynch

and DSI Treasurer Donal

Desmond

Irish Badminton:

Top row (left to right) Coach Mark Topping,

President Kevin Lynch, Donal Desmond, Ivan

Gryzlov, Chef De Mission Sean Herlihy.

Bottom row (left to right): Shane Keogh, Aidan Team Ireland

Badminton

Team Ireland’s Football Team

Joined by Chef De Mission Sean Herlihy (bottom left), Sports development Officer Paul Ryder (bottom right),

DSI Treasurer Donal Desmond (second row, far left), DSI President Kevin Lynch (second row, far right) and

Team Ireland’s Men’s Football squad consisted of 20 players: Andrew Wynne, Barry Campbell, Brian Babb, Darren

Dunne, Eamon Byrne, Eoin Burns, Jason Maguire, Jonathon Cosgrove, Joseph Watson, Mark Sinclair, Michael Walsh,

Noel O’Donnell, Patrick Maher, Robert McAra, Richard Dougherty, Roy Keating, Roy McKee, Sean Young, Stephen

Millar and Stuart Foy.

Also with the football team were: Manager Thomas Coyle, assistant Manager Geoffrey Foy, Coaches Jamie Wilson and

Reggie Dornan, Physio Jonathon Acheson and Football Liaison Rino Giglione.

Team Announcement

There was a great turn out in DVI, with representatives from many Deaf organisations and

sporting organisations attending, along with the

Minister and Joe Costello TD.

Members of Team Ireland, team officials,

managers and coaches were also present.

There was a good media interest, with the Irish Examiner and DublinSouth FM sending journalists

to the event, which was also filmed by

Kelt-Tek AV Productions.

On Wed 17th of July at 1.30pm a Team Announcement was held in Deaf Village Ireland for Team Ireland ahead of their travel to Sofia for

the 2013 Deaflympics.

Minister of Transport, Sport and Tourism Michael Ring officiated the Deaflympic Team Ireland Announcement, saying that it was:

There was a great

atmosphere, with

excitement building

among the players.

Sponsors

Bridge

Interpreting

and Paul W

Tracey

Solicitors were

also present.

gives a speech

about Team Ireland

Some of Team Ireland’s athletes and management stand with Minister

Ring

K. Lynch and Min.

Ring

Min. Ring officiates the

Team Announcement

Chef de Mission,

Sean Herlihy gives a

speech

Min. Ring shakes hands of

athletes: J. Maguire, P. Maher

& A. Connor

Interpreter Michelle McNulty,

Min. Ring and Kevin Lynch

Journalist Sabrina from

Dublin South FM

interviews Kevin Lynch

Team Ireland with Sponsors Bridge Interpreting Team Ireland with Sponsors Paul W Tracey Solicitors

DSI President,

Kevin Lynch

Page 6

Team Ireland Depart

Team Ireland’s Men’s Football

players flew out to Bulgaria for the

22nd Deaflympics on Monday the

22nd of July, accompanied by

Team Management

Team Ireland’s Badminton players left for Bulgaria on Thursday the 25th of July, with the remaining

Team Management

Footballers head for

security

Some last minute words to the team from Paul

Ryder before check in begins

The Irish Football Team depart

Irish Badminton team get ready to depart

Badminton Team en route to Sofia, joined by: Chef de

Mission, Sean Herlihy, Amanda Dunne, Press Officer,

Lorelei Fox-Roberts and Camera man, Martin

Connolly

Irish Badminton team say their goodbyes at the airport

Boarding the

plane

Page 7

22nd Deaflympics Opening Ceremony

The Deaflympics Opening Ceremony was held in the Arena Armeecs, Sofia at 6pm on the 26th of July.

It was a visually spectacular show, with athletes from each country represented in the Summer Games parading around the arena before standing together in the centre and passing the Deaflympics torch from one to another after

it was brought into the arena

The Deaflympics flame was then ignited by the Bulgarian torch

bearer, who ran up the steps to

cheering from the supporters.

This was followed by speeches from Craig Crowley and the Deaflympics oath being signed for all to see by

former Deaflympics Badminton

champion

A spectacular visual show then followed, including traditional Bulgarian

dancing, an ariel show, a Deaf group signing the Bulgarian National Anthem

and gymnastics, accompanied by an

orchestra and traditional drummers.

The show was a feast for the eyes and built up excitement among athletes and

supporters alike.

Team Germany

Team Nigeria

Polish Team celebrate

Chinese Taipei Team

(l-r) Johnny Corcoran, Aidan

Connor and Shane Keogh

The Deaflympics Flame is ignited

Athletes line up for the passing

of the torch

Officials welcome athletes and

supporters

Performers build excitement in the crowd

Irish Badminton

The final Singles match of the day for Team Ireland took

place at 6.10pm, where S. Keogh faced Indian opponent T.

Gaun.

The scores were as follows:

Bout 1: Gaun: 21; Keogh:

7 Bout 2: Gaun: 21; Keogh:

9

Doubles 27th July Johnny Corcoran and Shane Keogh started the day by playing a Doubles

match against Hong Kong at 2.10pm.

The scores for the Doubles match were as follows: Bout 1: Hong Kong: 21; Ireland: 15

When asked about the Doubles match, Coach

Mark Topping said the following:

“The Guys played a very tactically strong

game, but came up against strong opposition

from Hong Kong, who wont be far from the

Gold. The Men have come so far in the last 6

months and played to their ability.”

Johnny Corcoran and Shane Keogh,

played there last group doubles

match Miroslav Liposkvy and Peter

Vasicek. This was the deciding match in

the group as to which team would

progress to the knockout stages of the

event. Unfortunately the match did not go

the way of Shane and Johnny. The

Slovakian opponents served particularly

well, forcing Shane and Johnny into

Singles

Given the hot conditions (the temperature in the hall was approx 30 degrees

centigrade) the shuttles were quick and difficult to control from a defensive

position. In the second set Johnny and Shane briefly gained control of the

net to trail 12-10, but 4 quick errors from outstanding low serving from Peter

Vasicek tilted the momentum strongly in favour of the Slovakian opponents.

The final score in this match was 21 -9 21-14.

J. Corcoran’s Singles match against M.

Etreman from the Russian Team took

place at 3.30pm, leaving only a short

gap between his previous Doubles

match and this one. Corcoran played a

strong game against the Russian, but he

was an extremely tough opponent.

The scores were as follows:

Bout 1: Etreman: 21; Corcoran: 10

The next match to take place was between A.

Connor and L. Getov at 4.10pm. Getov played a

fast and hard game against Connor, who

pushed Getov until the end of the match, where

Getov won.

The scores were as follows:

Bout 1: Getov: 21; Connor: 8

Bout 2: Getov: 21; Connor: 14

29th July

27th July

Page 9

Irish Badminton

The final Singles match of the day for

Team Ireland took place at 6.10pm,

where S. Keogh faced Indian opponent

T. Gaun. It was a tough match but

Keogh played excellently throughout.

Unfortunately, Gaun took the lead.

The scores were as follows:

Bout 1: Gaun: 21; Keogh: 7

Bout 2: Gaun: 21; Keogh: 9

Johnny Corcoran faced a strong opponant from

Germ any Thorsten Gottwald. This was to decide who

qualified from the group to go to the knockout stages

of the event. The German player prevailed in a very

tight 2 sets 21-16 21-18. This was Johnny’s best

match of the tournament.

He demonstrated to all how hard he has been working

in training with his fitness and his much improved

footwork particularly on the defensive side. Thorsten

was winning the net exchanges and forcing Johnny to

lift, but Johnny’s defensive play from his opponents

smashes was outstanding. The relief and joy on the

German opponents face when he finally closed out

the match was a testament to how well played Johnny

played. Johnny Corcoran is a fine ambassador for

Irish Badminton as he plays with great sportsmanship

Aidan Connor played his 2nd Singles match

against Turkisk opponent Kemal Ozer from

Turkey. Aidan lost 21-10 21-15. Kemal

ultimately went on to top this group, and

demonstrated why, by very skilful “holding”

net play. Aidan was unsure until the last

moment where his opponent was going to

play the shuttle from the net. He played

mainly to the net forcing Aidan to lift from

defensive positions. This was an example of

a game where the superior technical player

prevailed over the fitter faster player. A great

lesson for younger players to develop their

technique in “holding and deceptive” net

play. Ireland can be very proud of Aidan

Connor, as he never gave up and battled all

the way with this technically strong oppo-

nent. Aidan’s high level of fitness kept him in

Shane Keogh took the court for his make or

break 2nd match in the group against local

opponent from Bulgaria Nikoly Tyankov. The

Bulgarian Badminton fans turned out to

cheer the local man on. It was also clear to

see how well the Bulgarian players have

prepared ,knowing the local conditions very

well. Shane lost 21-6 21-10, but

demonstrated his battling qualities. Shane is

well known for his doubles expertise with

singles his less favoured game. Ireland can

be proud of his performance as he never

gave up. Well done Shane.

Singles 27th July

28th July

Irish Badminton

Aidan Connor faced Wing Hong Li from Hong

Kong China in his final group match. This was a

match played again in oppressive heat and it was

a great credit to both players that they produced a

high quality match controlling a fast shuttle with

great skill. There were many absorbing long

tactical rallies which tested the fitness levels of

both players. In the end Aidan’s superior fitness

and speed finally imposed himself on a very

dogged and determined opponent. Aidan played

a tactically smart game today. Aidan set about

winning the net exchanges and forcing his

opponent to lift. Aidan very skilfully attacked

mainly hitting downward with crosscourt slices

and powerful smashes interspersed with the

occasional fast clear. The Hong Kong opponents

defence was a strong point of his game, so Aidan

had to be particularly patient in creating the final

winning smash or net block to finish off each rally.

The final score to Aidan in approx. 40 minutes was

21-16 14-21 21-17.

Shane Keogh represented Ireland in his final group singles match against Petro Takolo of the Ukraine. The 19 year

old opponent was the quicker player on the day and closed out the match 21-7 21-13. Shane fought hard in many

rallies and extended his opponent for long periods particularly first half of the second set. However Shane was al-

ways just a half yard short of speed relative to his opponent and was therefore forced into many defensive posi-

tions. However Shane forced his opponent to hit that extra shot which created some errors from his opponent.

Shane was 11-9 down at the halfway point in the 2nd set with a possible comeback in the offing. Unfortunately this

was not to be as Petro lifted his speed around the court and placed Shane on the defensive. Shane Keogh however

battled hard for every point and represented Irish Badminton with great credit.

Shane Keogh took the court for his make or

break 2nd match in the group against local

opponent from Bulgaria Nikoly Tyankov. The

Bulgarian Badminton fans turned out to

cheer the local man on. It was also clear to

see how well the Bulgarian players have

prepared ,knowing the local conditions very

well. Shane lost 21-6 21-10, but

demonstrated his battling qualities. Shane is

well known for his doubles expertise with

singles his less favoured game. Ireland can

be proud of his performance as he never

gave up. Well done Shane.

Congratulations to all the badminton

players on competing at such a high

standard!

29th July

Page 11

Irish Men’s Football

Ireland V Nigeria

Ireland V Russia

The Ireland Deaf Men’s football

team opened their 2013

Deaflympics campaign in Sofia

on the 25th, with a battling 4-2

Victory over Nigeria. Twin

strikes each from lively

attackers Brian Babb and Joe

Watson proved crucial in a

game which began in soaring

Nigeria threw everything at the

Irish as the 2nd half commenced

and defenders Richard Dougherty,

Bobby McAra, Stuart Foy and

Stephen Millar did well on a

number of occasions to stop

Nigeria from scoring.

Nigeria continued to pressurise the Irish rearguard and although they did pull a

consolation goal back, Ireland helped by the experience of Darren Dunne and substitute

Barry Campbell saw out the game comfortably for a 4-2 Victory.

The Ireland Men’s Deaf Football Team secured a creditable 0-0 draw against European Champions Russia at the

2013 Deaflympics games in Bulgaria on the evening of the 27th of July. This was a courageous performance from

the Irish lads. They withstood periods of sustained pressure but forced three good late chances themselves which

could have snatched victory.

Irish Men’s Football

Ireland V Japan

Ireland V Egypt

The Ireland Deaf men’s football team progressed into the quarter-finals of the

Deaflympics games in Bulgaria after a hard fought 2-1 victory against Japan

on the 29th of July. This was a spirited performance by the Irish lads in a game

played in hot and humid conditions.

Ireland progressed from the

group stages with 7 points from 3

games along with Russia.

Assistant Manager Geoff Foy was pleased with the win, saying: It’s a

great credit to the lads to progress from a tough group and into the

quarter finals. All the games will be tough from here onwards but morale

within the camp is great and we believe we will do well in this

competition”. The team would like to acknowledge the many messages

of goodwill from Ireland supporters.

Ireland suffered an agonising 4-3 extra-time defeat to Egypt in the

Deaflympics football quarter finals in Bulgaria on Wednesday the

31st of July.

The Irish lads had bravely twice fought back from 2-0 and 3-1

deficits to force extra time at 3-3 and at that stage they looked the

most likely to progress to the semi-finals but it was not to be.

Geoff Foy commended the players for their stirring fight-back and

the passion they displayed. “We are all disappointed as the players

worked so hard but football can be a cruel game at times and we

experienced that again tonight when so little went our way”.

Irish Men’s Football

Page 13

Ireland V Turkey

Ireland V Iran

The Ireland Deaf Men’s football team produced a fantastic performance at the Deaflympic games in Sofia on Friday the 2nd of August to defeat 2012 World Champions Turkey 2-0 in their 5th – 8th place

play-off game.

Having been so unlucky to

exit the quarter finals in

extra time the Irish lads

could have been forgiven

for feeling subdued but

instead they played with

true passion and

commitment to record a

famous victory.

Assistant Manager

Geoff Foy was proud of

the Irish effort. “The

lads showed real

character and bounced

back tremendously

from the unlucky quar-

ter final defeat”.

In their final match on Sat 3rd of August, Team Ireland lost to Iran,

securing 6th place out of 16 in the Deaflympics Summer Games.

The Irish footballers played an excellent game, making Iran fight for

every goal.

The match finished with Iran:2 ; Ireland:1

Deaflympics Closing Ceremony

The 22nd Deaflympics Closing Ceremony was a momentous and beautiful occasion.

The evening began with teams walking into the arena and along the track, waving to cheering supporters before

assembling in the middle of the stadium to watch the events on stage.

Following the team’s arrival, one member of each team walked the circuit carrying their national flag.

Aidan Connor waved the Irish flag.

Former ICSD President Craig Crowley gave a heart-warming speech, followed by the taking down of the Deaflympics flag. The Flag was folded and carried to the stage where it was presented to Mr Crowley, before he in turn passed the Flag along to the new

ICSD President Mr Valery Rukhledev.

Shortly afterwards, the 4 Deaflympics flames carried by athletes were extinguished and the TDs from

each sport gave a short message of thanks.

After this, there were Fireworks, followed by a Bulgarian

drumming performance and then three female dancers

Team GB

Team Ireland

Team Nigeria

Aidan Connor carries the flag for Ireland Craig Crowley speaks while athletes hold Deaflympics

torches

Right: Team management

gather with athletes

Below: Naill

Fearon and

Kevin Lynch

Performers bring the

Ceremony to a close

Team Ireland

Team Ireland Arrive Home

Badminton Players Land in Dublin:

Football Players Arrive Home:

Shane Keogh and Ivan Gryzlov walk

through Arrivals in Dublin Airport

Ivan Gryzlov, Johnny Corcoran

and Mark Topping arrive in Dublin

The badminton team arrive home

Roy Keating is

welcomed home

Barry Campbell, Rino Giglione

and Richard Dougherty arrive

home

Joseph Watson is met by family Sean Young and

Stuart Foy

Richard Dougherty and Stuart

Foy are welcomed home

New ICSD President

On July 25th Russia's Valery Rukhledev was elected as the new

President of the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD)

at the election, which took place in Sofia. Rukhledev beat Britain's Craig

Crowley, former ICSD President and Joel Barish in the voting.

Rukhledev polled 39 votes to Crowley's 33 to become the ninth leader

of the ICSD, which organises the Deaflympics and has done, since its

formation in 1924.

At the last election, in Taipei, four years ago Crowley had narrowly

defeated Rukhledev.

Former ICSD President Craig Crowley, who

is also the Chief Executive at Action

Deafness, had held the post since 2009.

Crowley has also previously worked with UK

Deaf Sports, the European Disability Forum

and the European Union of the Deaf.

It was a case of ‘third time lucky’ for Rukhledev, who had been defeated

twice before, in the 2005 and 2009 ICSD presidential elections.

Rukhledev is acknowledged as being one of the most-decorated athletes in

the modern Deaflympics history and a well-known figure in the Russian

Deaf community.

Craig Crowley speaks at the Closing

Ceremony, before extinguishing the

Deaflympics flames held by athletes.

Crowley gives an impassioned

speech.

Meeting The Ambassador

On Thursday, the 1st of August at 11am, some members of Team Ire-

land accompanied Chef De Mission Sean Herlihy and DSI President

Kevin Lynch on their visit to the Irish Embassy in Sofia.

The Irish Ambassador spoke

with the Team over coffee about

the 2013 Deaflympics Games

and was incredibly welcoming. Kevin Lynch presented the Irish

Ambassador with a DSI crest,

which he proudly accepted.

Irish Ambassador Geoffrey

Keating with DSI President, Kevin

Lynch

Centre of the page:

Team Ireland with Irish

Ambassador and Embassy

Our Kind Sponsors

DSI would like to thank all of our sponsors for their generous sponsorship both in time and

financially. The support of these sponsors made it possible for Team Ireland to travel to and

compete in the 2013, 22nd Deaflympics Summer Games, this support is greatly appreciated!!

DSI was sponsored by many different

organisations, both mainstream and

from within the Deaf community.

Some companies chose to sponsors particular items. For example: Paul W Tracey Solicitors and Bridge Interpreting

sponsored Team Ireland’s gear for rest periods, which were purchased through Hummel Sports, travelling and the

Opening and Closing Ceremonies. These were great companies to work with and hopefully the relationship between

them and DSI will continue and grow stronger in the future.

DSI was also fortunate enough to have sponsors who helped with fundraising events, by providing refreshments

and prizes throughout the year.

Thank You to the Supporters

DSI would like to thank Team Ireland’s amazing supporters. So many people were supporting from home as well as

supporters in Sofia and Pravets.

In Bulgaria, the number of supporters for the Men’s Football Team grew in size every day, including not only Irish

supporters but a number of English and Scottish Deaflympics Supporters who came along to cheer on Team

Ireland!

The turnout of supporters to the Deaflympics Closing Ceremony was huge and it was wonderful to see so many

cheers and waving hands, congratulating the athletes, as each country’s team walked out into the arena!

Tracey Treanor and Caroline

McGrotty cheer on Team Ireland

Supporters at the Closing

Ceremony

Supporters cheer on Ireland in

their match against Egypt

A bus load of supporters get ready to travel to Pravets

Supporters cheer for an Irish goal Supporters look on hopefully

during the football