Deaf International Basketball Federation (DIBF)
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The Deaf International Basketball Federation (DIBF) is the world governing body for international deaf basketball. It operates in cooperation with the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) and its regional confederations. DIBF is an independent association composed of national organizations that govern deaf basketball in their respective countries.
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The organization is led by a dedicated board known as the Central Board, which includes the President, Secretary General, Treasurer, and Members-at-Large. This enthusiastic and experienced team—made up mostly of deaf individuals—brings together years of leadership and basketball expertise from various parts of the world. As DIBF continues to grow, the number of positions and people involved is expected to increase to support the development of the organization and better serve deaf basketball athletes. To learn more about the board members, please visit the Central Board profile page.
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Basketball has become increasingly popular among elite deaf athletes worldwide. Over the years, numerous international and national competitions have been organized under the ICSD, a respected international governing body for deaf sports. Established in 1924, ICSD is the oldest international sports organization for people with disabilities, with a proud and rich history—see the ICSD page for more details.
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In May 1998, a group of well-respected deaf sports professionals came together in Turku, Finland, and proposed the creation of a dedicated world governing body for deaf basketball. Their goal was to focus entirely on advancing the sport and improving the standards and well-being of deaf basketball players. For more about how DIBF was founded, see the History page.
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DIBF is committed to encouraging the growth and development of deaf basketball worldwide through structured programs in education and training. It serves as the official governing body for the scheduling and oversight of all international contests and championships in deaf basketball, in partnership with ICSD and its confederations. In addition, DIBF preserves the history of the sport by recording and reporting on major international competitions from their inception to the present day. The organization strives to expand its services and impact across the global deaf basketball community.
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DIBF looks forward to expanding its organization and empowering the world of deaf basketball for many years to come.
Mission
The mission of DIBF is to promote the sport of deaf basketball throughout the world and to lead the deaf basketball movement as recognised by the Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA).
Vision
To be the leading global organization that empowers and unites the deaf community through the sport of basketball—promoting excellence, inclusivity, and equal opportunities at all levels of play, while fostering a sense of pride, identity, and global connection among deaf athletes worldwide.
