WASHINGTON, D.C. — Speaking to members of the Congressional Commission on the State of U.S. Olympics and Paralympics (CSUSOP) in the Rayburn building as part of the Commission's September 6, 2023 public hearing, USADSF President Jeffrey Mansfield advocated for equality for Deaf and Hard of Hearing athletes in the Olympic and Paralympic movement.
"Today, we are calling on the USOPC and Congress to end this pattern [of discrimination]. To uphold compliance, athlete safety, and equality for deaf and hard of hearing Americans. I urge Congress to insert the Deaflympics into the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act, to add the Deaflympics to USOPC’s mandate," Mansfield remarked in his testimony, adding, "As Deaflympians, we are proud to wear the letters, U, S, A on our chests. Today, we are calling on our country to have our backs. There is nothing about us without us."
The CSUSOP is expected to release its report in Spring 2024.
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