Thomas Withrow, USADTF President, was sent to the 2004 House of Delegation.

The House of Delegation meeting occurred just a couple of months prior to the Deaflympics. Not all NSO representatives were presented. We have the general agenda that we would be covering during the weekend.

We were discussing about contacting past Deaflympians to get them back in the loop with the USADSF family. At the last count, we have about 2700 current and past Deaflympians. USADSF is hoping to get in touch with them and invite them to attend a banquet of some kind the night before the Opening Ceremony at the 2007 Winter Deaflympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. USADSF is attempting to show homage to those individuals. A consideration is being made to launch a Deaflympics Hall of Fame. More on this at a later date.

With the idea of contacting past Deaflympians, USADSF is looking at the concept of ripple effect in which USADSF is hoping to solicit donations from. USADSF is looking at the former Deaflympians as the core group of the drive. The ripple effect applies when contacts are being made with those individuals, then, set up new contacts with their contacts and so forth. Details are in making.

USADSF is concerned about the future program for international competition. USADSF is seeking ways to focus on youth programs. One possibility is getting involved with the Mini Deaf Olympics in Kentucky. Details were not provided at that time.

2005 USA Deaflympics Team will be announced shortly after December 1st.

USADSF and CSD are working on setting up a strong program where a museum would be set up to preserve all historical moments, archival, and other worthy items. A place within the CSD buildings may be considered for such a museum.

USADSF is asking each NSO to submit their 4-year budget plan including activity plan to be sent to the home office 60 days at the closure of the 21st Deaflympics.

USADSF is depending NSOs and all members to maintain their membership in good standing. USADSF will follow NSO’s colander to determine the payment. Currently, the membership fee for USADSF is $16.00. Often, NSOs add their own fees to that fee.

USADSF wishes to let all interested parties to check onto website for all results. The URL address is www.deaflympics.com.

Finally, but, not the least, a topic of Games Preparation Committee was hotly debated. USADSF is trying to develop a new concept and system for all international events. They are trying to have a Team Director for all international competition and have 3 people under the director acting as logistics, apparels and information technician. Then, 4 major international groups – Summer Deaflympics, Winter Deaflympics, PanAMDES and World Championship committees would work with the 3 people and Director. USADSF is hoping to have job descriptions ready sometimes after the Deaflympics in January.

Next House of Delegation meeting will be held at Sioux Falls, North Dakota in November 2005. It will be a long weekend from Thursday to Sunday. A lot of matters will be covered including voting for new USADSF president, VP of Financial and VP of NSO.