07-21-2006
The opening ceremony for the 4th Pan American Games for Deaf Youth will take place at Gallaudet University, Washington, DC, on August 1. Entertainment will be provided by the Wild Zappers and Paul the Clown, and is sponsored by the Gallaudet Student Body Government. Competition begins August 2, and ends August 5. Track and field is 9-noon and 7-9 pm everyday, and basketball is 1-7 pm. The event will be located at the Field House and on the track field.
The Games will conclude with the closing ceremony August 5 after the championship games are played. An ice cream party, sponsored by HOVRS, for the athletes, Pan American committees, and fans will follow. Last is the USADB qualifying trials and exhibition games, scheduled for 7:30 pm.
“We believe that events such as these promote international cooperation and goodwill among deaf people and our friends,” says President I. King Jordan. “Gallaudet is proud to be a part of an event that promotes an environment of cultural diversity.”
USA Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF) is organizing the Games under auspices of PanAmericano Deportes para Sortos (PANAMDES). The first Pan American event was held in Venezuela in 2000.
The Games, geared toward deaf and hard of hearing youths ages 10-15 from throughout North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, will include two sports: track and field, and basketball.
[SOURCE: Gallaudet University]
