On behalf of the International governing body for deaf basketball, I would like to convey my greetings and best wishes to participants, organisers, and Polish Deaf Sports Federation for the 1st DIBF U21 World Deaf Basketball Championships to be held from 25 June to 3 July 2010, in a great city of Lublin, Poland.
The official international deaf basketball competition has been around since the late 1940’s. The DIBF was formed in 1998 with the purpose of raising standards and to focus on the core talents of deaf basketball players. This was achieved by providing international clinics and development camps for the deaf, and by conducting championships, and managing international deaf referees. Basketball is now, arguably, the fastest growing sport in the world.
I am delighted to advise you that there are more and more deaf basketball events being played at different levels in the various regions around the globe; and now the new DIBF U21 World Deaf Basketball Championships. I look forward to prolonged sustainable growth for deaf basketball worldwide.
I take the opportunity to thank Polish Deaf Sports Federation, the city of Lublin; Region Lubelskie; Poland Government Minister of Sports; Poland Basketball Federation and Region Lubelskie for Basketball Federation for all of their most appreciated support in making this special event possible for our young elite deaf players from around the globe to experience the world of international deaf basketball. It is important that we keep youth sports alive.
It is with a great pleasure that we welcome you to the 1st DIBF U21 World Deaf Basketball Championships in Lublin, Poland. I extend my very best wishes to the organisers, officials and volunteers for the success of the championships.
Good Luck to all the basketball teams, and may the best teams win!
Lyndon Borrow
President
Deaf International Basketball Federation
