The History of the Deaflympics Formation and Development in Volyn

Abstract

Topicality. The Volyn Regional Center of Physical Culture and Sports for the Disabled

«Invasport» has significantly impacted the Deaflympics development in Volyn. During its formation, the Center developed a training program for athletes with disabilities. The results of the Center for deaf athletes have a huge experience in such kind of sport for thirty years and should become the basis for further trainings with disability people. The Purpose of the Research is to analyze the historical Deaflympics formation and development in Volyn. Research Methods. Historical and pedagogical analysis of archival papers, reports of the Volyn Regional Center of Physical Culture and Sports for the Disabled «Invasport», the Sports Department of the Volyn Regional State Administration, surveys of trainers and managers of the “Invasport” as well as Internet information sources. Results of the Research. The analysis of the Volyn Regional Center of Physical Culture and Sports for the Disabled «Invasport» reports, archival papers, interviews of coaches, athletes, and officials made it possible to reveal the development and formation of the Deaflympics in Volyn. During the years of Ukraine`s independence, it became possible to establish the Invasport centers in the regions. Sports for people with disability gradually began to develop in Volyn. During this period of development, the Volyn Regional Center of Physical Culture and Sports for the Disabled «Invasport» created conditions for the training of deaf athletes. Disabled athletes from Volyn participated in seven Deaflympic Games, where they won 6 gold, 4 silver and 5 bronze awards. At the World Championships, they won 5 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze awards. Deaf athletes also achieved significant success at the European Championships winning 14 gold, 12 silver and 1 bronze awards. Conclusions. The historical and pedagogical analysis of the Deaflympic sports in Volyn made it possible to reveal the peculiarities of training and performances of disabled athletes at competitions of various kinds. The Volyn Deaflympians have made a significant contribution to the recognition of Ukrainian athletes with disabilities at the international level. During the Volyn «Invasport» Center activity the following sports such as a shot put, athletics, volleyball, and powerlifting gained the most significant development.