The World Games for the Deaf are the premier global athletic event for deaf athletes. The 160 members of the U.S. Team will be among 2,105 athletes from 46 countries to compete in this year's Games.
Athletes rang in age from their early teens to mid-sixties and represent diverse backgrounds.
Men's and Women's Deaf Basketball teams and National Basketball Association stars will play world-class basketball at the United Nations Plaza today. Having captured the gold medal since 1973, the U.S. Men's Deaf Basketball Team will be the defending champion at this year's Games. We compete in the same sports, have the same rules and regulations, and have been recognized by the In- ternational Olympic Committee since 1951. It's a partnership of deaf and hearing people in support of the biggest event for deaf athletes around the world. Simpson will represent the U.S. Team in basketball.