Athletes convene in Tokyo for first Deaflympics in JapanーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Dev Olympics (Deaflympics): An international multi-sport event for deaf athletes.
• Olympic Square: A venue in Tokyo serving as a hub for the Deaflympics, featuring practice areas and public education on deaf sports and culture.
• International Sign Language: The primary language used for operations and communication during the Deaflympics.
• Cheer Signs: A method of expressing encouragement in sign language for deaf athletes.
• Communication Boards: Visual aids with pictograms to facilitate communication between individuals with different hearing abilities or language backgrounds.
• Hearing Impairment: The condition of being deaf or hard of hearing.

Dev Olympics Begin in Tokyo

The Dev Olympics are set to commence on Saturday in Tokyo, marking the first time the games are hosted in Japan. This event follows a tradition that began in Paris in 1924, over a century ago.

Venue and Purpose

The games are being held at a location referred to as "Olympic Square" in Tokyo. This venue functions as a central hub for the upcoming games, providing practice facilities for athletes. Beyond athletic preparation, Olympic Square aims to educate the public about deaf sports and deaf culture.

Scale and Scope of the Games

Approximately 3,000 athletes from over 70 countries and regions are expected to participate. The event will span 12 days and feature 21 different sports, including swimming, soccer, and bowling.

Broader Mandate and Competition

The Deaflympics are not solely focused on sports; they also emphasize connecting people and fostering a more inclusive society. Organizers are committed to creating a world where "no one is left behind" and are actively working to dismantle language and communication barriers. While the games have a broad societal mandate, they are also serious about the competitive aspect. The rules are largely consistent with those of the Olympic Games. The Deaflympics are held every four years, and participation is open to anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing. However, participants are not permitted to use hearing aids.

Communication Methods

Communication during the games relies on visual cues. Statistics and signals are conveyed visually using lamps and flags. International Sign Language is utilized for operational purposes. To ensure smooth communication, organizers have been training interpreters since the previous year.

Fan Engagement and Support

For fans wishing to support their teams, the games are introducing "cheer signs," a method of shouting encouragement in sign language. This allows fans to express sentiments like "go" or "you win," enabling athletes to visually perceive the encouragement.

Facilitating Interpersonal Communication

Organizers are distributing communication boards. These boards feature pictograms that individuals can point to, enabling simple communication between people who can hear, cannot hear, or speak different languages.

Japanese Athlete's Perspective and Goals

Matsumoto Takumi, a star soccer player for Japan, is serving as the flag bearer for the Japanese team. He has been receiving lessons on hearing impairments and the deaf community to promote the games. Takumi expressed his desire for people to understand that "anything is possible even with the handicap of being deaf or hard of hearing." He shared his personal belief that "if you keep going without giving up, even if it takes time, you can reach your goals." He is confident that the Japanese team "will definitely bring home a gold medal."

Japan's Participation and Medal Hopes

Japan is fielding its largest team ever for this year's games, with 273 athletes competing across all sports. The team's goal is to win at least 31 medals, which would surpass their previous record.

Accessibility for Spectators

Attendance at the Deaflympics is free of charge, making it accessible for anyone who wishes to watch the competitions.

Conclusion

The Dev Olympics in Tokyo represent a significant event, not only for deaf athletes but also for promoting inclusivity and understanding. The games highlight innovative communication strategies, the dedication of athletes, and the broader societal goals of bridging divides and ensuring no one is excluded. The emphasis on visual communication, international sign language, and accessible fan engagement underscores the commitment to creating a truly inclusive sporting environment.