ISRAEL – The 20th anniversary of the Deaf International Basketball Federation (DIBF) was celebrated on 7 September 2022 in Ramat Gan, Israel. The celebration took place with an evening reception and a small program directly and originally on the basketball court, immediately after the opening ceremony of the very first DIBF 3×3 World Cup for men and women.
Most of the DIBF central board were in attendance. President Ioannis Stoufis opened with comments regarding the historical moments of the founding of our wonderful organisation. Secretary General Jürgen Endress thanked everyone for their support, steadfast togetherness and valuable cooperation over the past 20 years. The DIBF is looking forward to further membership growth in the coming years and to numerous exciting events with all of you. That greatly motivates all of us.
Afterwards, the historical moments of the 20-year DIBF and the video conversations of all past presidents (Jussi Raisio 2002-2007, Lyndon Borrow 2007-2011 and Aleksas Jasiunas 2011-2019) were shown on the video screen. After the presentation, the anniversary cake was served with fireworks and the audience was given highly coveted silicone wristbands, as the celebrations continued into the night.
HISTORY of DIBF
On 2 May 1998 in Turku, Finland, the International Deaf Basketball Association (IDBA) was officially formed by four IDBA board members: President Jussi Raisio (Finland), Vice President Aleksas Jasiunas (Lithuania), Secretary General Christian Boklund (Sweden), and Board Member Riina Kuusk (Estonia). (see more about DIBF History)
From 1998-2002 the IDBA grew rapidly, and it proposed was during this time for DIBF to establish World Deaf Basketball Championships.
The first DIBF World Championships were held in Athens, Greece during the first DIBF World Congress meeting which took place 20 July 2002. The Congress decided to change the name from IDBA to DIBF (Deaf International Basketball Federation) for increased corporate visibility and comprehensiveness.
2002-2022: The DIBF grew exponentially and in 2003 was recognized as Associate Member by the ICSD; in 2004 the DIBF was recognized as the international governing body of international deaf basketball by the FIBA. In 2005, the DIBF met the WADA compliance; and in 2007, the 2nd DIBF World Championships were held in Guangzhou, China. In 2011, DIBF became affiliated with the FIBA and anchored in the FIBA General Statutes. Additional events were added: World Championships, World Youth Championships, Regional Youth Championships, Regional Cups for Clubs, Youth Camps, Development Clinics, and Referee Clinics.
In 2022, a new and very successful 3×3 World Cup competition was established and the DIBF celebrates their 20th anniversary.
Additional Announcement:
We, the DIBF, are in search of more photos, videos, etc. covering the last 20 years, such as team photos, medal ceremony photos/videos, matches photos/videos, opening/closing ceremonies photos/videos, world congresses photos/videos and so on. If you or any friends have these – please email to us: history@dibf.org. Many thanks.
