USADSF Announces USADB/ABAD Partnership

November 21, 1998 –– USA Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF), formerly the American Athletic Association of the Deaf [AAAD], announced today the merger of the United States of America Deaf Basketball (USADB) and the American Basketball Association of the Deaf (ABAD). The agreement was made at a summit meeting attended by organizational leaders from NWAAD, NEAAD, EAAD, CAAD, FAAD, MAAD, SWAAD and SEAAD [Northwest, Northeast, Eastern, Central, Farwest, Midwest, Southwest and Southeast Athletic Associations of the Deaf] at Gallaudet University. The merger is intended to develop a solid, unified program which will represent the interests of all deaf basketball players in the United States under one dynamic organizational structure.

“I am delighted with the strong leadership stance of USADB and ABAD, as well as the regional presidents in making this change possible,” said Dr. Bobbie Beth Scoggins, USADSF president. “It has long been our dream to have the interests of both groups come together to provide the best possible programs for our athletes.”

Craig Ophikens, ABAD commissioner, commented, “We have made a good start with our agreements. We now have the challenge of spreading the word to all athletes, coaches, and fans working to rebuild rapport and ties with the deaf community once again.” ABAD

Acting Treasurer, Ira Hendon III added, “This move will revitalize our programs and tournaments. We must actively seek ways to use the media and communicate effectively with all members of the basketball community.”

Bennie Maucere, USADB president emphasized, “This is a good start. From here on, we will be looking for creative ways to share governance and to include more programs for youth, as well as strengthen our ties with funding organizations. We must help each other succeed from the regional level to the national tournaments. I’m looking forward to working with all eight regions to see how we can help one another through shared resources. Mark Corson, USADB executive commissioner, added: “It will take time to work out all the mechanisms needed for the coming transition, and we are all looking forward to establishing new communication links with all individuals from the clubs to the elite athletes.”

Among the topics discussed at the summit were shared leadership, the need for more effective communication, the need for better utilization of the media, the need to rebuild trust and cooperation, and how to bring the new USADB/ABAD organization

up to the professional standards envisioned by the delegates. Interested persons can read the agreement papers and get other information about USADB/ABAD by going to the web page www.usadb.org.

The USADSF was established in 1945 under the name of the American Athletic Association of the Deaf. It is affiliated with the United States Olympic Committee and USA Basketball, which recently awarded $62,300 to bring the United States deaf basketball team to Havana, Cuba, in August 1999.