It is the first time the Deaflympics is held in Australia and only the second time in the Southern Hemisphere. 

On Jan. 5 all Deaflympians started early in the afternoon to line up by alphabetical order according to country in a park outside of the Olympic Stadium.  The parade of athletes entering the stadium began at 7pm.  Following a program of skits, songs and dance, the torch was carried by several representatives from several different Australian regions before being handed to Cindy-Lu Fitzpatrick, who torched the cauldron thus symbolizing the games to BEGIN!

Following a week and half of competition, my experience ended with the Closing Ceremonies on Sunday, Jan. 20.  This time we athletes could mingle with other athletes, find and wave to friends and parents in the stands, trade pins, shirts, jackets, hats, with other athletes.  Each Olympics I have come home with many new friends from many different countries.  Even though the Sign Language differs from one country to another, we somehow are able to understand one another.  "We are forever bound in unity, and yes, each other's clothes!"  The torch was out until 2009 when the next Deaflympics will take place in Taipei, Taiwan.

USA athletes parade into Olympic Stadium

Jerilyn at Work!

USA Silver and Bronze Medalist Trio Competition

USA Men's and Women's Ten-Pin Bowling Teams

Jerilyn receives her Silver medal for Team