Deaf track and field athletes currently remain at significant disadvantage because athletics, unlike swimming, has refused to allow the use of strobe light mechanisms to signify a start.

Federal Minister for Sport Mark Arbib supports DSA's push.

Deaf runners have had to either anticipate the start or simply react as soon as their able-bodied rivals have, immediately placing them at a disadvantage.

But that might now change because of Deaf Sport Australia’s successful discrimination claim to Human Rights Commission involving Sekou Kanneh, an 11-year-old with undisputed sprinting ability.

DSA took up Kanneh’s cause after the youngster was denied the use of visual starting prompts at the national junior titles, where he finished second in the 100m and 200m. School Sports Australia first denied Kanneh, claiming it would create a precedent, which “would create problems for the organization in the future”.

School Sports Australia was backed in its stance by Athletics Australia, which operates under the International Amateur Athletics Federation protocols.

The Human Rights Commission found in Kanneh’s favor.

Long-serving International Olympic Committee member Kevan Gosper hopes track and field athletes affected by deafness will ultimately be able to use visual prompts at the highest level.

Federal Minister for Sport Mark Arbib supports DSA’s push. Mark Arbib was elected Senator for New South Wales at the 2007 Federal Election and commenced his term on 1 July 2008.

Mark was appointed Minister for Employment Participation and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Government Service Delivery in June 2009.

His portfolio includes the management of the Government’s employment programs, such as Job Services Australia, the Disability Employment Service and the Indigenous Employment Program.

Mark has a Masters of Arts in Political Science and Economic History from the University of NSW.

Mark Arbib is the Duty Senator for Mackellar, Warringah and Lyne.

The drive comes as debates continues over the merits of allowing South African Oscar Pistorius, a double amputee known as the “Blade Runner”, to compete at the London Olympics.

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David Brady and Jamie Lee Lewis Shine at Water Polo Championships

The recent 16 and under National Club Championships had a lot of highlights, including the involvement of two members of the water polo community with playing, coaching and refereeing as part of their resumes. As well as that, they are both deaf.

Both David Brady and Jamie Lee Lewis show us all that a hearing impairment

David Brady

is not an impediment to participation in water polo in all its elements.

Both David Brady and Jamie Lee Lewis are long time participants in the sport as athletes and they have both broadened their involvement in the game to keep their enjoyment and involvement alive.

Jamie Lee is an elite player for the National Water Polo League gold-medal winning Brisbane Barracudas. She also coaches and referees.

Jamie Lee Lewis

At the 16 and under National Championships Jamie Lee was the appointed referee for All Hallows and was given the honor of being the goal-judge for the Girls gold medal game. David Brady is a player who was a driving force behind Australia’s participation in the Deaflympics He still plays for Nordek in the Australian Capital Territories competition, but now spends more of his time working for Touch Football Australia as their National Business Operations Manager.

At the 16 and under National Championships he was Assistant Coach to Don Cameron of the Australian Capital Territories Fins Boys team who finished a creditable 17th at the event.

Thanks to Australian Water Polo Inc and Pearse Photography for the reproduction of the above article which first appeared on http://www.australianwaterpolo.com.au

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It is with great pleasure that Deaf Sports Australia announces that Gavin Balharrie has been appointed as the Chef de Mission of the Australian Deaf Sports Team for the 7th Asia Pacific Deaf Games, to be held in Seoul, South Korea from 26 May 2012 to 2nd June 2012.

Gavin Balharrie is well known and has a long history in the deaf sports

Gavin (4th from the left) at the 2011 Australian Deaf Golf Championships

community and has held a number of senior administration roles. In 2009 Gavin was the assistant Chef de Mission of the Australian Deaf Sports Team for the September 2009 Taipei Deaflympic Games Taiwan, where he perform well and according to the team’s needs, and this will provide invaluable experience for Gavin in his role with the Asia Pacific Deaf Games team. This experience was a key factor in Gavin securing the role with the Asia Pacific Deaf Games team.

In addition to his experience in Taipei, Gavin is currently involved in the deaf sporting community as secretary of Deaf Golf Australia (DGA). Deaf Golf Australia is the National Deaf Sports Body for deaf, hard of hearing and hearing impaired golfers throughout Australia. Gavin’s involvement in golf also extends to his role as Technical Director for the World Deaf Golf Championships in Japan next October 2012.

Gavin has commenced work in his Chief De Mission role already and is working with DSA director David Peters to finalize logistics (flights, accommodation, apparel etc) and the final team entry lists which are due by December 31st.

Further information on the Australian Deaf Team for the 2012 Asia Pacific Deaf Games will be provided over the next few weeks as more information comes to hand.

We wish Gavin all the best in this exciting new role.

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Welcome to our November edition of the Games bulletin. We have so much to tell and Update you with the Games Program. It is exciting and we are in Geelong, one of the most popular holiday destinations in Australia. As of early November, we have over 850 participants, which includes sport entrants (including our friends from New Zealand, Fiji and Samoa), visitors, volunteers, Games Organizing team, sponsors and others attending the Games, which is wonderful.

We have 1,200 seats available at our Opening Ceremony and if you include the GOC, Games participants, volunteers, our Oceania friends, sponsors and VIPs attending this event, we are filling up fast. Don’t miss out buy your registration now!

There are some changes to the Sports program with some sports being cancelled due to low numbers. These include Athletics, Basketball, Cycling, Shooting and Surfing. More details below.

The Games Organizing Committee (GOC) wants you all there and we are hoping for the biggest Games attendance ever. We have extended invitations to the State Minister for Sport, Hon. Hugh Delahunty and the Federal Minister for Sport – Hon. Mark Arbib and are hopeful they will be able to attend. Check out our website, Facebook and Twitter sites – add your stories. More details below:

Why are we so excited? The Games is jammed packed with so many sport and social events.

This bulletin has information on:

• Sports Program Update 2

• Games Hub Update 7

• The DAY PASS ticket program 8

• ADSF Cup information 9

• Social Program 9

• Games Photographer – Are you interested? 11

• Individual Sports registration deadline changed 11

• Games Registration Late Rate deadline – 31 December – HURRY 11

• 2nd Sport Registration – how to do it 12

• Accommodation – DO IT NOW 13

• Volunteers Needed 13

• Sport Venues – where are they? Check here on Google Maps 14

• ADG Sponsors and Partners 14

• Games Schedule – an update 16

• Joining your State / Territory / Country team – Who to contact? 17

• Sports Program Update

As you are aware, team sport registration deadline closed on the 31st October. Individual sports close on 1st December. The GOC is now in a better position to share information on what Sports will be occurring at the 2012 Games. Times have changed and interest in the many sports has also changed. While the Sports Program detail is still not yet finalized, the following information gives you an idea of how many teams are involved in which sports. All sport program details will be confirmed in December. An updated Sports Schedule is also included in the Bulletin.

Aquatics

With a low number of registrations, on the advice of Deaf Aquatics Australia, we have decided to merge the swimming competition with the Victorian State Swimming championships being held at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) in Melbourne. The State championships are being held from 14 – 16th January and Swim Victoria and Swim Australia have agreed to allow deaf competitors to either compete in the open events (if their qualifying times are good enough) or the multi-class events.

Another critical reason for the change is that the swim officials from Geelong will be working at the State championships and we would have struggled to get them for our own event in Geelong. Because of this change, we have extended the deadline for Aquatics registration until Friday 9th December. For more information on the Aquatics program, please contact us.

Athletics – changed to a Elite Training / Coaching session

Sadly, the small number of entries for athletics and the cost of running the event have forced us to cancel the Athletics competition at these Games. We are considering running a Training and Coaching session for those keen deaf athletes who wish to participate. We are hoping to get some top coaches / mentors to assist us.

People who have registered for Athletics are able to get their registration fee refunded or transferred to another sport event. Please contact us for further information. If you are interested in competing on an international level in Athletics, it is an event at the Deaflympic Games – please contact Deaf Sport Australia for more information.

Basketball

The GOC is very disappointed; we don’t have enough registrations for basketball. We tried very hard and worked closely with Deaf Basketball Australia, to make sure it happened. Due to low registration numbers and high venue costs, we have to cancel the sport. People who have registered for Basketball are able to get their registration fee refunded or transferred to another sport event. Please contact us for further information.

If you are interested in competing on an international level in Basketball, it is an event at the Deaflympic Games – please contact Deaf Basketball Australia for more information.

Beach Volleyball

Beach Volleyball competition has teams from Victoria, Queensland, NSW, Fiji, Samoa and combined States/Territories. They will be playing men’s, women’s and mixed pairs. We look forward to an exciting event at Eastern beach.

Cricket

Cricket was missing at the 2008 Gold Coast Games so we are really pleased it is back on again and looking very strong. It will be 20/20 competition and we have teams from Victoria, NSW, South Australia and a combined States / Territories team.

Cycling

Cycling was included as a demo sport and we were unsure if there would be enough interest from deaf cyclists to run a competition. We also found out the all cyclists needed to have a racing license to compete in our events. Unfortunately, with low numbers and high costs of hiring the venue, Cycling has been cancelled. People who have registered for Cycling are able to get their registration fee refunded or transferred to another sport event. Please contact us for further information.

If you are interested in competing on an international level in cycling, it is an event at the Deaflympic Games, please contact Deaf Sport Australia for more information.

Darts

Darts is slowly improving in registration numbers – deadline is 1st December. We have teams from Western Australia, Victoria, New Zealand and South Australia. Hoping other States involvement will make it a stronger competition.

EightBall

This competition has excellent representation from many States including NSW, South Australia, Queensland, New Zealand, Victoria and Western Australia. Looking forward to this competition, held at night time at the new Slate Pool club in Geelong CBD.

Futsal

Futsal (indoor soccer) is a demonstration sport and it will be the first time for deaf soccer players to compete in. A late burst of registrations have kept the sport in the Games but with a reduced program. Likely participants from Victoria, Western Australia, NSW and Queensland. We look forward to seeing this event, as it is new, very active and quick.

Due to the reduced program (see Sports Schedule), it also means the fee has been reduced from $75 to $25. GOC will be in touch with those who have paid the $75 fee to arrange a refund, or transfer to another sport.

Golf

Golf has become one of the stronger sports with the 2012 Games showing excellent registration numbers from across Australia. We have teams from NSW, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia. The competition is being played at the well-known 13th Beach course at Barwon Heads.

Lawn Bowls

Lawn Bowls has always been a popular sport and we have teams from NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, New Zealand and Western Australia. We look forward to an excellent event at the Belmont Bowls Club.

Netball

Netball registrations have achieved one of the highest numbers of all sports at the Geelong Games. Well done to Deaf Netball Australia for their promotion of this event. We also have for the first time, a mixed netball competition with men and women competing in the same teams. Victoria, NSW, Queensland, South Australia, ACT and 6 combined State/ Territory team will compete at the Netball Centre at Kardinia Park, Geelong. Mixed netball will be played at a different venue, on Saturday 21st January.

Rugby 7’s

Another demonstration sport and already we have 4 teams from Queensland, NSW, Victoria and Fiji. Well done to Southern Cross Deaf Rugby Union, a new member of DSA for organizing this event and we look forward to Rugby 7’s being a permanent feature in future Australian Deaf Games.

Shooting

Shooting, like cycling is a demonstration sport and the GOC agreed to see if it would be popular as a demonstration sport. Unfortunately, registration numbers were too low and we have to cancel the event. Like cycling, we had an issue with all entrants requiring shooting licenses. People who have registered for Shooting are able to get their registration fee refunded or transferred to another sport event. Please contact us for further information.

If you are interested in competing on an international level in Shooting, it is an event at the Deaflympic Games – please contact Deaf Sport Australia for more information.

Squash

Squash is not as popular a sport as it used to be however we still have teams from South Australia, Victoria, Queensland involved in the Games as well as a player from New Zealand. Will Peter Walters win again?

Surfing

A new but increasingly popular sport among deaf people and some are now competing in international Deaf Surf championships. Unfortunately, registration numbers have been very poor for this event – perhaps it is the wrong time for surfing in the Geelong area and it is hard to select a day when weather plays a critical role for surfing to happen. This sport event is now cancelled. If you are interested in deaf surfing, please check their Facebook page – www.facebook.com/pages/Deaf-Boardriders-Australia/134135948897

People who have registered for Surfing are able to get their registration fee refunded or transferred to another sport event. Please contact us for further information.

Table Tennis

Like squash, Table Tennis is not a popular sport but it has been in the Australian Deaf Games for many years. We have teams from South Australia, NSW, Fiji and Victoria as well as players from ACT, South Australia and New Zealand. Come and watch our champion players who have represented Australia in past Deaflympic Games.

Tennis

A popular sport but for some reason struggling with registration numbers at these Games. We are hoping we have a good number of participants as we have some excellent players who have represented Australia in recent international championships and Deaflympics and won medals. We have players from NSW, Queensland and Victoria currently involved. Registrations close on 1st December – ‘Go Tennis.’

Tenpin Bowling

This sport is one of our stronger competitions and the Geelong Games will show just how good our deaf bowlers are. We have teams from NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria. It will be held at the Bowls Centre in Belmont, next door to the Lawn Bowls centre.

Touch Football

A new sport growing in popularity and offered as a demonstration sport at the 2012 Games. We have teams from the ACT, NSW, Queensland, Victoria and hopefully Fiji (if they can combine their rugby skills with touch football). A Fantastic sport for the first time sport event.

• Games Hub Update

The Games Hub will be located at:

Deakin University

Geelong Waterfront Campus

1 Gheringhap Street

Geelong VIC 3220

Games Registration tags, sports bag and program book can be collected at the Games Hub starting from:

Date Time

Friday 13th January 1.00 – 7.00pm

Saturday 14th January 10.00 – 4.00pm

Sunday 15th January 9.00 – 7.00pm

From Monday 16th January 2012, Games Registration information can be collected from the GOC office at the Games Hub. The Games Registration Fee provides entry to the opening and closing ceremonies, Games bag, insurance and free entry to all sports and the Games Hub.

Note: No photograph on the registration tag is required. You must present a photo ID and concession card at registration pick up for proof of concession fee. Those who sent in photos with their forms will have photos returned when picking up registration.

• ADSF Cup

The Australian Deaf Games allows State / Territory teams compete for the Australian Deaf Sports Federation Cup. Points won at each sport event are accumulated and the State / Territory with the highest points score win the Cup. Demonstration sports are not included in ADSF Cup points. Queensland won the ADSF Cup in 2008 at the Gold Coast Games. Who will win in 2012? Below is a picture of the ADSF Cup.

ADSF Cup

• Social program (preliminary)

Deaf Sports and Recreation Victoria (DSRV) have been working closely with GOC to Organize the Social Program. Much effort through the co-ordination of Meg Aumann has come up with a program that will interest and cater for all ranges of people. The program is still in draft stage but you will note there are some events happening for the first time including:

‘Grey Power’ Forum (senior citizens event for anyone over 50 years old; Deaf Film Festival (co-ordinate by Arts Access Victoria); Chess event; Comedy Night;

“Signing about Your Generation”; Colin Allen, President of the World Federation of the Deaf and Sheena Walters (World Association of Sign Language Interpreters) presentations; Deaf Youth events and Medal presentations.

A new part of the program is the “Deaf, Youth, Sport and Leadership” program in which the GOC is working in partnership with Deaf Children Australia. The program aims to encourage young deaf people (13 – 17 years) to learn and participate in sport, culture and leadership activities. It will also include a workshop for parents. More information soon.

Social Program at the Games Hub venue. The Eureka hotel, Geelong is a nightclub and has been booked for Friday (20th) and Saturday night (21st) and it will cost $10 entry fee. More information soon.

• Games Photographer (are you interested?)

The Games Organizing Committee (GOC) is advertising for a professional photographer to take pictures during the Games. Similar to the 2008 Gold Coast Games, we are willing for the photographer to take photos and sell online for a reasonable cost, as along as the GOC has a free copy of all photos taken to use for promotional and information purposes. Acknowledgement of the photography work will be made. Deadline for applications, close on Friday 9th December. All enquiries, please contact us at DSA.

• Individual Sports registration deadline changed – 1st December.

After a special Sports Conveners’ weekend retreat at Geelong organized by the Games Organizing Committee (GOC), it was clear that we had to chance the closing date for individual sport registration entry. The reason is that more time was required to organize the sport program due to Christmas and New Year holidays. If you are interested in participating in individual sports such as athletics, golf, darts and others, then you must complete your Games registration by 1st December 2011. No sport entries will be accepted after this date. Visitor Registration closes on 31st December 2011.

• Games Visitor Registration late Rate deadline – 31 December HURRY!!

The GOC is very pleased that the online registration process is working well with many new registrations being received daily keeping the DSA office busy. For paper registrations, you can contact DSA and request a printed registration form and pay by Cheque or money order. For more information, go to www.austdeafgames.org.au/registration/gamesregistration.htm

. 2nd Sport Registration – how to do it

Recently we have had some enquiries from people who were unable to register for a second sport. It is important that you click on the ‘LOG IN’ link of the sport you want to register for. This will enable the registration system to recognize you as having already registered and avoid paying a 2nd Games Registration fee! This means you need to have your user name and password ready. If you want to play a SECOND SPORT and have not paid, you can click on the 2nd sport LOG IN and after you have included your username and password, it will go into your personal Log In page – this is where you can tick the sport you want to play and pay the sport fee.

For example, you have entered Darts and paid your Games Registration fee and also sport fee. You also received your username and password. You want to play a second sport – Eight-Ball. To pay the Eight-Ball sports fee: -

1. Click on the Eight-Ball Log In;

2. Enter your username and password and it will open up to your personal details as well as Eight-Ball sports fee information;

3. Enter the sports details;

4. Pay your sport fee;

5. Log out.

Please note: For those that are registering for the first time, you should click on the sport name or icon to register for the first time.

• Accommodation – DO IT NOW!

As we get closer to the Games time in January 2012, it becomes more difficult to organize accommodation. Several hotels have contact us saying they are available for our Games participants. Do it now!! If you need other accommodation information, check out:

http://visitgeelongbellarine.com/geelong-bellarine-home or click on the picture above. Send them a question and they will help you out finding the right accommodation for you.

• Volunteers – thank you for registering

Volunteers are an important part of the Games success and we are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who wish to help us out with the various jobs required. We have over 100 volunteers who have registered interest in assisting us through the Games. This is a fantastic result and they are currently being contacted to inform them of the various jobs and finalize when they can assist us. Some jobs include drivers (12 seater buses), data entry, media, information packing, catering support, etc. Check out our latest video on information about being a volunteer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=65kr_q301MM if you are interested, please email Paula Thornton on paula.thornton@austdeafgames.org.au

• Sport Venues – where are they?

Check out our 2012 Games interactive Google Map for all the 2012 Games sports and other venues. Click on below to see where everything is – most are close to the Geelong CBD.

http://maps.google.com.au/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=200016688815774988456.0004a7c35f49acde03b57&ie=UTF8&ll=-38.142927,144.435883&spn=0.135277,0.292511&z=12

• ADG Sponsors and Partners

Three new sponsors have come onboard as sponsors and supporters of the 2012 Australian Deaf Games. The Australian Hearing Service – Geelong branch have offered to support us with provision of free hearing tests to anyone who wishes to check their hearing. They will also provide support for our RANDOM HEARING TEST policy. The 2012 Games, for the first time announced that all sport participants must have a hearing loss of 40 decibels (dB) or more in their best ear. The Games Organizing Committee (GOC) will be on the lookout for any sport participant who may be breaking the hearing loss rule and use the Australian Hearing Service on-site caravan to do an audiology test on GOC’s behalf.

The National Relay Service (NRS) has been an important part of deaf people’s lives since 1995 providing access to telephone services for deaf, hearing and speech impaired people across Australia. The NRS will have an exhibitor table at the Games Hub and you are welcome to visit their ‘Help Desk’ service and ask any questions and collect information. The NRS will sponsor the Deaf Film Festival.

Deakin University (Waterfront Campus) has been wonderful supporters of the GOC, providing advice and access to the Campus as our Games Hub at a reduced cost. We believe we have an excellent, comfortable and central place where everyone can meet, chat, eat (at the canteen or from nearby cafes), relax, participate in social activities, medal ceremonies and enjoy the closing ceremony.

Thank you Australian Hearing Service, National Relay Service and Deakin University for your support.

Our major sponsors and partners to date include:

• Victorian Government

• City of Greater Geelong

• Vicdeaf

• Sign Language Communication (SLC)

• Transport Accident Commission

• Australian Communication Exchange

• Access Innovation Media

• iAuslan

• Arts Access Victoria

• Deaf Children Australia

• Deakin University Waterfront Campus, Geelong

• Australian Hearing Services – Geelong

• National Relay Service

• Deaf Sports Recreation Victoria

Without them, we could not have a national event like the Australian Deaf Games. We are currently in contact with several more organizations for both sponsorship and partnership opportunities.

• Current 2012 Australian Deaf Games Schedule (subject to change)

UPDATE

• Note that Rugby 7’s and Touch Football dates have been changed.

• If you need more information about your sport event, please contact the Sports Convener or your State / Territory Deaf Sport Organization. For sport venue information, please go to www.deafsports.org.au

• Information on your State / Territory / Country team the following contact details so that you can find out about your State / territory / country team information:

Australian Capital Territory

Deaf ACT

David Brady David.brady@austouch.com.au

New South Wales Deaf Sport Recreation NSW

Tony Clews tclews@DeafSociety.com

Queensland

Deaf Sport Recreation Queensland

Julie Lyons dsrq@dsrq.org.au

South Australia

Deaf Sport Recreation South Australia

Tanya Morgan dsrsa@adam.com.au

Victoria

Deaf Sport Recreation Victoria

Meg Aumann maumann@dsrv.com.au

Western Australia

Western Australia Deaf Recreation Association

Murray Nicholson murrayjamesnicholson@gmail.com

Other States / Territories

Please contact the DSA office:

Irena Farinacci Irena.farinacci@deafsports.org.au

New Zealand

New Zealand Deaf Sports Association

Annette Scott Executive1@deafsports.co.nz

Fiji

Fiji Association of the Deaf

Gael Seru fijideaf@connect.com.fj

Samoa

Samoa Deaf Association

Vai Leatuvao vaisenese@samoa.ws

The Australian Deaf Games Organizing Committee can be contacted via dsa@deafsports.org.au.

For any sports related matter, you can contact your National Deaf Sports organization or Irena Farinacci via irena.farinacci@deafsports.org.au

Facebook link – ADG GOC: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100003155703915

Deaf Sports Australia:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Deaf-Sports-Australia/126469597373520

Twitter link -

For more information on the Australian Deaf Games 2012 in Geelong, please check the website on www.austdeafgames.org.au

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Athens, GRE – Four years after being awarded the right to host the 2013 Deaflympics, the Greek government has formally confirmed that it will not provide financial support for the games. The International Committee of Sports for the Deaf will now consider alternatives to Greece as a host country.

In a meeting with representatives of ICSD and the Hellenic Athletic Federation of the Deaf today, Greek Deputy Minister of Health and Social Solidarity Christos Aidonis confirmed a decision taken by Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou not to fund the Athens 2013 Deaflympics.

“Today’s decision is deeply disappointing,” said ICSD President Craig Crowley. “But the decision is also not a complete surprise, especially given the economic crisis in Greece at the moment. On becoming President, I was deeply concerned about the hosting arrangements for Slovakia, Athens and Vancouver. Our athletes deserve to be able to train with certainty about their future competitions. ICSD is already working on possible alternatives to Athens 2013. ICSD expects to make a formal announcement about alternatives before the end of July.”

The lack of government financial support for Athens 2013 was clear from an early stage. In its inspection report from July 2006, ICSD noted the absence of detailed financial commitments from the Greek government. ICSD wrote: “ICSD requires a letter of financial commitment from the Greek government at the time of the bid presentation in Salt Lake City.” The financial commitment was not provided.

A memorandum of understanding was later signed in early 2009, which contained no specific guarantees from the Greek government to finance the Deaflympics.

“ICSD has learnt a valuable lesson about the importance of securing financial guarantees during the bidding phase, for deaf sports events. It’s a lesson that we will begin applying immediately, with regard to future Deaflympics,” added Crowley.

“For six years, we have worked as hard as possible to achieve our dream of hosting the world of deaf sport in Athens,” said HAFD President Ioannis Stoufis. “Under the present economic circumstances in Greece, that is simply not possible. On behalf of HAFD, I apologise for the inconvenience this decision will cause. But HAFD will continue to work to develop deaf sport in Greece and to host deaf athletes from around the world in sporting competition. And we will try again to host the Deaflympics in the future.”

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Williams, 31, was forced to dig deep as Date-Krumm proved to be an unexpectedly awkward opponent for the five-time Wimbledon champion, who finally prevailed 6-7 (6/8), 6-3, 8-6 before a rapt Centre Court. The win put Williams into a third round tie against Spain’s Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez on Friday, who defeated Monica Niculescu 6-3, 6-0 earlier.

Williams, seeded 23, is feeling her way back into tennis after a five-month lay-off following an injury sustained at the Australian Open in January. The former world number one said her enforced absence from the game had rekindled her competitive fires.

“I think more than anything I’ve learned I’m very competitive. I’ve been extremely positive regardless of how my opponent’s playing. Just no matter what the score, very positive. Just keeping fighting,” Williams said.

“I think that’s going to be crucial, not only for me but for anyone in this championship to stay positive and keep fighting,” she added.

Date-Krumm, who reached the semi-finals here in 1996 before later taking a 12-year sabbatical from the sport, expressed satisfaction that she had pushed her more illustrious opponent so close.

“Today was a good fight for me,” Date said.

“Of course I’m very, very disappointed. But most important, I played my tennis and showed I can fight with Venus. She’s a five-time champion here. So it was a very, very good match for me.” Williams in turn was left marveling at the performance of her evergreen opponent.

“I played a very tough opponent today. She doesn’t play anywhere near her age,” she said. “Obviously she’s a huge role model. She hits hard and she runs fast and she’s extremely competitive, as you saw today.”

There was a happier outcome for another Japanese woman however, with qualifier Misaki Doi, the world number 133, stunning 30th seed Bethanie Mattek-Sands 6-4, 5-7, and 7-5 in the first round.

Elsewhere however the form book held sway as five more seeded players advanced safely to the second round. Polish 13th seed Agnieszka Radwanska didn’t drop a game in her match against Olga Govortsova, winning 6-0, 3-0 before the Belarussian retired hurt.

Italy’s Flavia Pennetta, seeded 21, downed Irina Begu of Romania 7-6 (7/3), 4-6, 6-2 while Australia’s Jarmila Gajdosova beat Ukraine’s Alona Bondarenko 7-5, 6-3.

Slovakian 24th seed Dominika Cibulkova came from a set down to edge out Mirjana Lucic 3-6, 6-3, 8-6 but there was no such difficulty for Germany’s Julia Georges, seeded 16, who breezed past Spain’s Annabel Medina Garrigues 6-3, 6-0.

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Dravid, for whom the 112-run knock on the third day of the match on Wednesday was his 32nd Test century, confessed he found the effort physically very demanding at the Sena Sabina Park.

“It was tough physically. I came here just three days ago. The jet lag, getting up early morning, having not played a Test for a long time and playing in these hot conditions has been very tiring,” remarked Dravid, who batted for over 400 minutes for his 112 runs and hit 10 fours and a six from the 274 balls he faced.

“You could do as much physical workout; do the bike and gym and run laps of ground but the sheer effort of batting and fielding and staying on the field and then immediately come to bat, needs practice.

“I sweat a lot so physically it’s always been a contest for me. That’s why I have to work harder on my fitness for I know the way I bat; I have to stay in for long periods.”

“But it was a big Test match and I was fired up…I felt as if I was in my space. Hopefully, we can win the Test and get a day’s rest.” Dravid’s example was lost on young batsmen, such as Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina, who are seen as India’s next generation of Test batsmen.

“I try telling them (the youngsters) to weather the storm; go through the intensity of a spell which might last 8-10-12 overs.”

“You fight your way and then it becomes easy. It’s easy to get caught up when things around you are buzzing with noise; balls are flying and spinners are getting big help. You then start thinking it’s hard. But if you last it out, it becomes easier,” Dravid said.

“Today in the morning, Ravi Rampaul kept it tight. I knew I had to go through that spell. You need to back yourself; need to enjoy the contest. It’s going to get easier and then you must be there to capitalize on it,” said Dravid, allowing a rare peek in his batting methodology.

“I remember in Johannesburg (in 1997), Donald and Pollock were bowling a great spell and I thought it was really tough and I would never be able to play. You need to get through it, fight your way and grit your teeth. Suddenly, it gets easier.”

Dravid managed to make 148 runs in that Test which happened to be his first century in his ninth match.

Dravid claimed the intensity of the contest at Sabina Park, ironically, helped him get into his space.

“I love the contest. When you are back to the wall, it improves your concentration, your focus. It helped me focus my mind, get it in the right place and I felt in control.

“For long periods of time, I didn’t score many runs but considering the wicket it probably was the right thing.”

Interestingly, Dravid didn’t find it a demand that he rarely received support from his teammates at the other end.

“It doesn’t make a difference to me, what’s happening at the other end. My job is to focus. But when you lose wickets, it’s the opposition who picks up. When a new batsman comes in, you know the rivals have got their game together and there would be another 12-14 overs of intensity.”

Dravid also explained the reason of his refusal to take singles when Amit Mishra came in to bat.

“I was refusing singles of the first two balls. Sometimes it relaxes bowlers and I was hoping it would give me a four-scoring opportunity.”

The stand with Mishra turned out to be a critical one as 56 runs came for the ninth wicket and not only Dravid could get to his century but also the lead stretched beyond 300 runs. Dravid termed it a good cricketing pitch, though slightly in favour of bowlers.

“It’s a good cricket wicket. It’s slightly in favour of bowlers and that’s how it should be. The spinners are getting turn; pacers are getting bounce. If you bowl in right areas, it’s difficult for batsmen. If you bowl badly, because of the bounce, the batters can capitalize.”

The veteran middle-order batsman though felt his team held the advantage in this Test.

“If we get early wickets, we can run through. But we know Shivnarine Chanderpaul is a dangerous player. They have got some good young players. From our perspective, if we bowl in the right areas, we will create opportunity.

“We need to be patient and make batsmen play all the time.”

Dravid singled out Ishant Sharma and Praveen Kumar for their bowling effort in this Test so far. “Ishant has been very impressive. Today his bowling was terrific. Praveen is a very skillful, crafty, clever bowler.”

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Rory McIlroy Wins 2011 US Open With Great, Historic, Surreal Golf

BETHESDA, MD – JUNE 19: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland poses with the trophy after his eight-stroke victory on the 18th green during the 111th U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club on June 19, 2011 in Bethesda, Maryland.

Rory McIlroy U.S. Open will be remembered as one of the greatest major performances in golf history. Watching it was surreal.

Jun 20, 2011 – Rory McIlroy was tapping in a six-inch putt to the win U.S.

Open, and I looked up from shoveling lasagna into my mouth just in time to catch it. I got a sinking feeling in my stomach: Crap, is it *really* over?

Rory McIlroy’s U.S. Open was so dominant it almost softened the moment. The staggering gap on the leaderboard between first place and the field was so large that it clouded how real this was, how historically low McIlroy was shooting. Rory is doing what?

And so it went Sunday, McIlroy playing the only golf that mattered. How low could he go? Or — wait a minute — are we completely sure he’s been on the same course all this time?

When he birdied two of the first foul holes, McIlroy turned Sunday into a seemingly eternal victory lap. He marched along, content to leave short puts for par and the media with all day long to compare him to all-time greats, ogle his swing, and celebrate his humility and charm.

There was little drama. So I didn’t expect to feel that momentary emptiness when the tournament ended. I’d been waiting for the official ending all day. McIlroy wrapped it up on the first four holes Sunday, remember?

I guess I didn’t want it to end. Look at what McIlroy did:

*Shot the lowest score (268) in U.S. Open History.

*Became the first player to touch 12 under par at the U.S. Open … then finished 16 (!) under.

*Seventh wire-to-wire winner in U.S. Open history (The last one? Tiger Woods in 2002.)

*Third player to shoot all four rounds in the 60s (65-66-68-69) at the U.S. Open.

*He did all this … at the age of 22!

In place of the drama from a tight race, the U.S. Open was about the spectacle, marinating in McIlroy’s performance. He delivered history, but it was surreal the way it stood all alone.

A quick Google search will deliver plenty of columns outlining why this was so great for Rory. Why Rory is so great for golf, and for the fans. It’s terrific, no doubt. Go read Sally Jenkins (Washington Post) and Christine Brennan (USA Today), who wrote terrific columns on golf’s new golden boy. (The Anti-Tiger? Sure, why not …)

But the real treat of the weekend was the golf. McIlroy littering the fairway’s at Congressional with his drives, saving himself when he didn’t (only four holes over par the whole event!), and nearly acing the 10th hole on Sunday.

Sunday seemed to last forever. Then it was done all too soon.

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The “Smart Auslan” technology was developed by not-for-profit organization, Australian Communication Exchange (ACE), over an 18-month partnership with the museum.

While hundreds of museums across Australia offer audio tours, only the National Sports Museum now offers the equivalent service for Deaf and hearing impaired Australians to gain easy access to the same information through a Smartphone device.

Up until now, Deaf Australians have had to either pay for their own Auslan interpreter, or wait for a scheduled Auslan tour to fully appreciate the cultural experiences on offer at museums.

The “Smart Auslan” technology was developed by not-for-profit organization, Australian Communication Exchange (ACE), over an 18-month partnership with the museum.

Brent Phillips, President of Deaf Sports Australia attended the launch and presented a speech offering the organization’s full support for the initiative.

“Melbourne has a very rich history in sports, especially within the deaf community given that we have one of the oldest deaf cricket club of over 100 years old, the Australian Deaf Games being held since 1964, and the Deaflympic Games were held in this city in 2005” says Brent, “As a result, it is very fitting that the Smart Auslan program is launched at the Melbourne Sports Museum”.

DSA’s Patron, Kevan Gosper AO was also in attendance. Kevan has also provided commentary descriptions for some of the museums’ displays. Each year, approximately 150,000 people visit the National Sports Museum and listen to audio descriptions of iconic exhibitions.

Smart Auslan provides Deaf and hearing impaired Australians with the same access to the museum display descriptions in Auslan sign language videos that can be accessed by scanning Quick Response (QR) codes with Android-powered Smartphone’s.

The museum will have six Android devices located for visitors to use or alternatively the application can be downloaded onto an Android Smartphone from the ACE website. For further information go to www.smartauslan.com.au

The National Sports Museum is located at the MCG via Gate 3. For further information about the museum go to www.nsm.com.au

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EX-DSA President Ms. Rebecca Adam Appointed To ICSD Board

The International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) has announced that Ex-President of Deaf Sports Australia Ms. Rebecca Adam has been appointed to the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf Board temporarily, to fill the vacancy created by former Vice President Josef Willmerdinger’s resignation. She will work till ICSD announce the new Vice President.

Ms. Rebecca is known to many of us as a previous President of Deaf Sports Australia, and a long-serving member of International Committee of Sports for the Deaf’s Legal Commission.

Ms. Rebecca has been brought in by International Committee Of Sports For The Deaf to perform the vital task of reviewing International Committee of Sports For The Deaf’s governance in the aftermath of the cancelled Slovakia Winter Deaflympics, and in the lead up to the upcoming 43rd International Committee of Sports For The Deaf Congress, to be held in Rome, Italy in September – 2011.

Deaf Sports Australia congratulates Ms. Rebecca Adam on her appointment to the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf Board, and has offered Ms. Rebecca and International Committee of Sports for the Deaf our full support.

Ms. Rebecca Adam has never felt that her disability has held her back. Profoundly deaf from birth and growing up in a completely deaf family, Ms. Rebecca’s first language was Australian Sign Language (AUSLAN) and from an early age she enjoyed a confidence to tackle any challenge and live life to the full.

In 1995, Ms. Rebecca completed a combined degree in Commerce/Law from the University of Melbourne. Upon completion of her studies Rebecca worked at a Melbourne law firm and then another organization in the area of policy.

Ms. Rebecca later joined IBM where she has enjoyed a number of roles, the latest being as a Business Program Manager. She also contributed significantly to the success of the 2005 Summer Deaflympics in Melbourne as President of the Deaf Sport Australia.

DEAF SPORTS AUSTRALIA

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