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2005 Deaflympics Bid Story

Issue 1 -	‘Games like no other’ - Dec 1998
Issue 2 -	‘How Melbourne won the right to bid for 2005 World Games for the Deaf’ - Feb 1999
Issue 3 -	‘Melbourne WINS 2005 GAMES bid!’ - Jun 1999

Welcome to the Melbourne 2005 World Games for the Deaf Bid Committee’s first newsletter. The purpose of the newsletter is to keep our members, supporters, sponsors and friends up to date of Melbourne’s campaign for the right to host the World Games for the Deaf in 2005.

For the uninitiated, the World Games for the Deaf is an international event for deaf athletes with a hearing loss of 55dB in the better ear. The World Games for the Deaf which is held every four years, offers athletes the opportunity to compete in the “Olympics”, the pinnacle of all Deaf sports. It can also act as a stepping-stone for those wishing to compete at the Commonwealth Games or the Olympic Games. Past achievers have included Cindy-Lu Fitzpatrick O.A.M. and [ name withheld ].

The Comite International des Sports des Sourds (CISS – International Committee of Deaf Sports) founded in 1924, held its first Games in France in the same year and its constitution and authority were recognised by the International Olympic Committee in 1955. Australia joined CISS in 1955 and sent its first ever team to the Games in Washington DC, USA in 1965.

The team consisted of one diver and one swimmer and they won medals for Australia; one gold and one silver. Since then, Australia has participated at every World Games for the Deaf and brought home medals.

Melbourne is to be congratulated on being chosen as the Australian candidate to bid for the World Games for the Deaf in 2005. It will be a tough race internationally as there is one other candidates namely, Slovakia.

Sporting events such as the Australian Deaf Games and the World Games for the Deaf are very important to deaf people both socially, psychologically and culturally. Sport helps deaf people to feel equal with others, not only on the playing field, but in social interaction; it gives them an opportunity to use their organisational skills, to take their place in society, and helps them to develop their identity and self-esteem. The World Games for the Deaf have been held in the southern hemisphere only once since its inception in 1924; in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1989!

Dr Donalda Ammons - CISS General Secretary & Games Site Inspector.

The 2005 World Games for the Deaf Bid Committee has held a series of meetings since July 1998 and we are in the middle of finalising details for a site inspection by the CISS General Secretary, Dr Donalda Ammons. The site inspection will take place between 11-13 January 1999 culminating with a social function at the Jolimont Square Social Club with leaders from the Deaf Community. This is a good opportunity for the people of Melbourne to show their friendliness and warm hospitality and for Dr. Ammons to experience Marvellous Melbourne! We are also proud that the CISS President, John M. Lovett, AM, lives in Melbourne.

Melbourne Convention & Marketing Bureau who has assistance and supported 2005 World Games for the Deaf bid.

Melbourne recently sent its official bid document, prepared with assistance from the Melbourne Convention & Marketing Bureau, to the CISS President and committee members. The Bid Committee will travel to Davos, Switzerland to make its presentation to the delegates (from 72 member countries) during the CISS Congress and the Winter World Games for the Deaf.

However, we still need your support as well so hopefully, all of Australia will get behind Melbourne in its bid for the 2005 World Games for the Deaf. We wish to thank those of you who have sponsored towards our bid date. For a clearer picture of what Melbourne hopes to offer, you will see details inside this newsletter. Happy reading!

Lastly, on behalf of the Bid Committee, I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.

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In 1995, the Australian Deaf Sports Federation Ltd’s Board of Directors decided to put in a bid for the 2005 World Games for the Deaf.

Having previously tried twice to bid for the World Games for the Deaf, for 1989 and 2001, the Directors agreed to ask Cities to lodge expressions of interest, then submit formal applications. Two applications were received, from Sydney and Melbourne. A selection panel was formed comprising six people which includes three Deaf persons: Anne Bremner (ADSF – Chairperson), Bruce Muller (ADSF Life Member), Annabel Bishop (ADSF Member Association – Swimming), and three hearing persons from elite sporting organisations in Australia: Stephen Fox (Australian Sports Commission), Craig Phillips (Australian Olympic Committee), and Lachlan Tighe (Confederation of Australia Sport).

We were very fortunate to have such distinguished people on the selection panel as each member had vast experience in sport especially at international level.

Interviews were conducted in the grand “Lucy Lewis” Boardroom at the Victorian Services for Deaf Children building, in May 1998. This school was opened in 1860 by a Deaf man, Frederick J. Rose who was also the school’s teacher and headmaster. Lucy Lewis was the first pupil.

L-R: Lance Hately - President of Deaf Sports Recreation Victoria, Anne Bremner - Chairperson of 2005 World Games for the Deaf Bidding Committee, John M. Lovett - President of CISS, Dr Donalda Ammons - CISS General Secretary, Irena Farinacci & Kim Kavanagh - Administrative assistants.

The selection panel met at 9.00am and held talks in the morning going through each City’s bidding documentation before meeting with delegates from Sydney and Melbourne in the afternoon for interviews. Further discussions were held by the selection panel before a decision was arrived at. Melbourne was chosen venue and the long day ended at 5.00pm. Sincere gratitude is extended to [ name withheld ] for his invaluable support in preparing relevant documents towards the bidding process.

A Bidding Committee was then set up and members are: Anne Bremner (Chair), [ name withheld ] (Public Relations), David Peters (Finance) and Lyndon Borrow (Multimedia and Promotions) with administrative assistance from staff Irena Farinacci (Australian Deaf Sports Federation) and Kim Kavanagh (Deaf Sports Recreation Victoria). The Bid Team of four will be at Davos, Switzerland to make their presentation.

Site Inspection tour proudly supported by Cobb & Co coaches. L-R: Lyndon Borrow, Bus Driver, John M. Lovett, David Peters, Anne Bremner and Dr Donalda Ammons.

We are very proud that the members of the Bid Team are all Deaf and have shown that we can do the job at a very professional level. We have been most fortunate to gain the support and assistance of certain people from organisations such as the Australia Olympic Committee, Australian Sports Commission, Confederation of Australia Sport, Melbourne Convention and Marketing Bureau, Cobbs & Co Coaches, Parkdale Amber, City of Melbourne, State Government of Victoria and the 2006 Commonwealth Games Bidding Committee to finalise the presentation of our Bidding documentation, and contributed towards the Site Inspection undertaken by Dr Donalda Ammons, General-Secretary of CISS (Comite International des Sports des Sourds) from 11-14 January 1999.

Dr Donalda Ammons gives her speech at the Welcome Night at VicDeaf social room.

All in all, we thank all the people involved who gave unstintingly of their time and support to help make the Site Inspection a very successful one. We were also fortunate to have the CISS President, John Lovett, accompany us on the Site Inspection.

And lastly, but not the least, it would not have been possible to conduct the Site Inspection without the wonderful support of Cobb & Co Coaches who provided transport to all venues.

Our great dinner, kindly hosted by MCMB - Wendy Dunning & Adam Seedsman on left.

We are indebted to people like Kevan Gosper, Craig Phillips, Lord Mayor Ivan Deveson, Ronald Walker, Max Wood, Wendy Dunning, Adam Seedsman, Leighton Wood, Bill Ford, Bob Roff and a host of others for their time and effort.

Appreciation is extended to three interpreters who volunteered their services at the Commonwealth Games luncheon: Tamara Housden, Cheryl Sandilands and Susan Emerson.

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Now it is official. Melbourne will host the 2005 World Games for the Deaf!

The 2005 World Games for the Deaf Bid Committee distributed Melbourne’s 85-page bid document to the CISS Executive Committee and its 72 affiliated member-countries in November/December 1998. The document provided a full overview, including all infrastructure and financial details for staging of the Games. The document was prepared with assistance from the Melbourne Convention and Marketing Bureau. Firstly, to win the right to bid for the Games, Melbourne had to defeat Sydney. Secondly, the Australian Deaf Sports Federation, in conjunction with Deaf Sports Recreation Victoria, set up a bid committee comprising Anne Bremner (Chair), [ name withheld ] (ADSF), David Peters and Lyndon Borrow (DSRV).

Our successful Australian theme “Happy Hour” presentation night with international Deaf sports delegates held at the Steigenberger Belvedere Hotel.

As soon as the bid committee was formed, the four members hit the ground running and the many hours of planning and preparation began in the lead up to the bid presentation. At Davos, Switzerland, the first event took place on Friday 5th March 1999 in the form of a “Happy Hour” function held at the Steigenberger Belvedere Hotel. This was attended by 100 international guests. “D-Day” finally dawned on Monday 8th March 1999 at the CISS Congress which was held in conjunction with the 14th Winter World Games for the Deaf. And, such a nerve-wracking day it was! The atmosphere at the Congress Centre was highly charged and delegates were eager for the bid presentation begin. However, this did not take place until after lunch.

CISS Congress Centre with delegates - Davos, Switzerland.

There were two candidates bidding for the 2005 Games; Kosice, Slovakia and Melbourne, Australia. Slovakia gave the first presentation and then Australia in that order. Without wishing to sound biased, it goes without saying that Melbourne’s bid was highly professional and that quality of the presentation created by Lyndon Borrow and presented by David Peters impressed many delegates. There was no doubt that Melbourne had the best bid.

After an anxious wait while voting was counted, we were ushered back into the Congress Hall to await the results. One can imagine the scene and the excitement in the room when Melbourne Bid Team jumped up in jubilation as Jerald Jordan, Past President of CISS, announced that Australia was the winner defeating Slovakia, 59 votes to 33 votes.

Our commiseration to Slovakia who proved to be a very strong contender. The bid team was called up on the dais where Anne Bremner gave a short speech and welcomed everyone to Melbourne in 2005.

Successful 2005 Melbourne World Games for the Deaf Bidding Committee - L-R: Lyndon Borrow, Anne Bremner and David Peters at CISS 75 Years Anniversary Dinner.

The bid team, feeling triumphant, then attended the CISS 75 Years Anniversary Dinner held that evening. A truly great ending to a wonderful day.

This is a big win for us, getting the World Games for the Deaf. It will promote community awareness and interest in the games will be created. We, the Bid Team, wish to thank everyone in Melbourne and Australia who supported us.

From Start to Finish:

24th December 1997
Meeting to set up panel to select city to host Australia’s bid

30th April 1998
Closing date for lodgement of bids

20th May 1998
Selection Panel interviews Sydney and Melbourne

9th June 1998
Melbourne wins right for Australia bid over Sydney

9th July 1998
Establish bid committee

12th October 1998
Closing date for lodgement of bid document with CISS

17th October 1998
First trial-run bid presentation in Perth

13th January 1999
CISS site inspection

20th February 1999
Second trial-run bid presentation in Melbourne

5th March 1999
“Happy Hour” function at Davos

8th March 1999
Melbourne wins the bid

What Happens Next?:

• Bid committee winds up after completion of 2005 Bid Report.
• Hold a retreat to discuss establishment the Games Organising Committee.
• Discuss top-tier level of the Games Organising Committee.
• Key players may continue in their roles in the top tier level Games Organising Committee but may need to be autonomous from their respective organisations.
• Organising committee is formed.
• Countdown – as from 1st July 1999, 2,013 days to go toward to the opening of 20th World Games for the Deaf in Melbourne, 2005!

Our 32 Supporters behind the bid:

AGFA - A Bayer company
Arthur Robinson & Hedderwicks Lawyers
Australian Deaf Sports Federation Limited

Ready for our energised Melbourne bid presentation extravaganza! L-R: Lyndon Borrow, Fiona Crisp (Australian Deaf Skier) and Katherine Woolf (MCMB).

Lyndon Borrow being interviewed with DeafNation media reporter at CISS Congress Centre during bidding campaign leading up to final presentation.

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