Deaflympics in Japan: A Chance to Celebrate the Prowess of Hearing-impaired Athletes

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From November 15-26, the Deaflympics, a major international sports event for hearing-impaired athletes, will be held in Tokyo. Approximately 3,000 athletes, including 273 from Japan, will compete in 21 events.

Around 310,000 hearing-impaired people live in Japan alone, according to recent estimates. However, because their problems are hard to recognize by simply looking at the person, some say they suffer from an "invisible disability."

Hopefully, Japan's promotion of the event will help build enthusiasm and also create an opportunity to deepen our understanding of hearing impairments.

In 2021, the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Paralympics delivered the excitement and thrill of athletes with various disabilities competing for medals. Memories of that splendid event remain unforgettable.

"Deaflympics" is a combination of the words "deaf," referring to the hearing-impaired, and "Olympics." Although less well-known than the Paralympics, the first Deaflympics was held in Paris in 1924. So it actually has a longer history than the Paralympics. This, the 25th edition of the international event, will take place in Japan for the first time.

What's Different About the Deaflympics?

The rules of the competition are almost the same as those for able-bodied athletes. However, the competitive environment is adjusted somewhat to accommodate athletes with hearing impairments. For example, visual information in forms such as lights and flags is used to signal the start to the athletes.

Also, some people with hearing impairments have trouble maintaining their balance, adding to the challenge. In team sports, teammates communicate with each other using sign language and eye contact.

It is fascinating to watch these superb athletes in action precisely because they are operating in a soundless world. And the spectator can only marvel at the incredible athletic skills on display.

Bringing In Cutting-edge Technology

In conjunction with the Deaflympics, the Tokyo government has been installing multilingual displays that convert voice into text and project it at the reception desks of public facilities. There is also a service on the city subways that allows passengers to view station announcements on their smartphones.

Cutting-edge technology ensures that the visual information is readily available. This should make life easier for everyone, whether or not they have impaired hearing. It would be ideal if the upcoming Tokyo event led to more initiatives designed to facilitate individuals making the most of their own strengths.

*Ryo Ogura demonstrates a karate kata. In addition to serving as flag bearer, she is aiming for a second consecutive championship with the kumite kata. (©Sankei by Hiroo Kajiyama)*

Rallying Support for the Athletes

Ryo Ogura, who is a teacher at Sakado School for the Deaf, a special needs school in Saitama Prefecture, will serve as the flag bearer for the Japanese team. She is also aiming to win a second consecutive gold medal in the women's karate competition.

Ogura had this to say: "I would be happy if the value of deaf sports is raised. And if deaf children can have the opportunity to dream of becoming professional athletes."

To support the athletes, instead of cheering or clapping, supporters can give a "sign cheer" where they wave both arms. We should all encourage the athletes from the stands, while understanding the unique etiquette of deaf sports.

If we do our best to support them, they will surely perform their best.

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun

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