Pan American Games Coming to Gallaudet University

By Cathryn Carroll

Are you ready? The Pan American Games for Deaf Youth will take place July 30 – August 6 at Gallaudet University, in Washington, DC.

The Games, geared to deaf and hard of hearing youths throughout North and South America, between the ages of 10–15, will include two competitions: track and field and basketball. Opening and Closing Ceremonies will include entertainment by deaf professionals.

This is the first time that the Pan American Games for Deaf Youth will be held in the United States. The Games are under Deaflympics, Inc., the international governing body of deaf sports. Youths must have an average speech threshold hearing loss of at least 55 DB in the better ear. The use of hearing aids or other hearing assistance devices is not permitted during competition.

For more information, visit the Pan American Games web site at http://usdeafsports.org/2006youth, or contact Rachel Burton, media and communications, at rachel.burton@gallaudet.edu.