Charles Eachus
April 2, 2008
Winter Sports Among the Deaf Community
United States Deaf Ski and Snowboard Association (USDSSA)
Utah, March 11, 1969, the first meeting was held to begin a new organization
of the United States Deaf Ski and Snowboard Association; also known as
USDSSA. This organization was made to encourage young deaf skiers and
snowboarders to participate in a great sport on a professional level.
Originated back as far as the late 1960’s, USDSSA was founded by four deaf
and hearing people, Richard Crossen, James Liese, Betty Moers, and Jerry
Moers. By the beginning of the 1970’s, the USDSSA established a constitution
and bylaws, a board of directors, and also an annual fee for all members. It
was also decided to have meetings every two years, and that all dues were to
defray postal, office supplies, and medals expenses. (Crossen, 2003)
Continuingly having meetings on a yearly basis throughout the United States,
the USDSSA had made its presence in almost every ski resort. These giant
leaps made to create the organization, the deaf community now has the
opportunity join an association to help train, race, and attend the Winter
Deaflympics.
Deaflympics
Since 1949, the Winter Deaflympics has been making a more and more popular
presence among the deaf community. Organized by the Comité International des
Sports des Sourds, CISS (The International Committee of Sports for the
Deaf), the famous event was built on over 80 years of tradition. (deaflympics.com,
2008)
Yes, the Olympics may sound fun to participate in, but it is no joke. Like
the traditional Olympics, Deaflympics hold the same professionalism and
standards. The Deaflympic’s occurs every four years, has a $10,000 dollar
licensing and entry fee, and has a very intensive tryout process. The
invitations to take part in the Deaflympics are issued at least one year in
advance, separately, by both the ICSD and the OC. These invitations will
also include the list of approved sports that will be part of the
Deaflympics program. (deaflympics.com, 2008) The only huge difference from
the two prestigious sport events is that the Deaflympics is not a
competition among other Nations, yet rather a competition among individual
groups or organizations of the deaf community. This is what makes
Deaflympics so unique.
USDSSA Team Tryouts
The U.S. Deaf Ski & Snowboard Association will be hosts a try-out event
every four years. The next try-out will be held at Telluride, CO during
March 12-19, 2011.(transworldsnowboarding.com, 2005) The dates and place are
subject to change due to scheduling problems. Doug Dickson and his assistant
Nancy Bonura will be heading the tryouts along with couch the team for the
next event. These coaches both did a remarkable job and have great potential
to have the same outcome they did in 2003.
If you are one who is interested in snowboarding or skiing in the
Deaflympics, the tryouts will be held at the same time and will be lead by
coach Will Garrow. Bringing home multiple medals in the past, with his
experience he id sure to train and help push you to your ultimate limit.
The next tryout will not be held until 2011 but if you are truly interested,
contact the director of USDSSA of snowboarding, Lisa Temesta at:
snowboarding@usdssa.org
Works Cited
Crossen, Julie (2003, March 4). History of the USDSSA. United States Deaf
Ski and Snowboard Association. Retrieved 08 March , 2008:
Tempesta, Lisa (2005, Feb 23) USDSSA Team Tryouts. Transworld Snowboarding.
Retrieved 07 March, 2008: <http://www.transworldsnowboarding.com/product_review.jsp?ID=1000022247>
International Committee of Sports for the Deaf . (2008) Sponsers and Games.
Retrieved 08 March, 2008: <http://www.deaflympics.com/>
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