To
1999 it became obvious that for the Armenian sports of hearing
impaired to come out of the prolonged crisis, continue its development
and integration in the international surdlimpic movement it
was necessary to create an independent sports organization of
hearing impaired. Armenian sport union of hearing impaired founded
in April 2000 and registered in the Ministry of Justice at the
same time took this important role.
Andranik Grigoryan was elected for the position of the President
of the new organization, Grigor Grigoryan became the Vice President.
Many outstanding Armenian athletes joined ASUD administration.
In May 2000 at the congress of EDSO (European Deaf Sports Organization)
in the city of Patry (Greece) it was decided to accept ASUD
into the organization. In November 2000 ASUD was acknowledged
by the executive committee of CISS (International Sport Committee
of Deaf).
During the congress of CISS 2001 in Rome the representatives
OF ASUD was awarded with a certificate of the member of CISS.
It is to express our gratitude to the leaders of CISS and EDSO,
who took into account the interests of this young organization
maximally lightening the procedure of obtaining membership.
Having obtained the status of the full member of surdlimpic
family, ASUD athletes began actively participating in the international
competitions. The debut of Armenian athletes took place in October
2000 in the championship of Europe on wrestling in the city
of Stara Zagora (Bulgaria). In December - the Armenian team
took part in the international tournament on mini football in
Voronezh (Russia).
The year of 2001 has become one of the brightest spots in the
history of the Armenian sport of hearing impaired as year when
Armenian team debuted on The Surdlympic games in Rome - the
the most important and prestigious competitions for the hearing
impaired, compared in terms of the status and value with the
Olympic and Paralimpic Games. Armenian athletes were presented
in two disciplines – wrestling and table tennis. It was undoubtedly
difficult to struggle for the prizes, but the acquired experience
made it possible to expect for the successes in the coming future.
The organization did not have to wait long for the first victories
in the international arena.
In October 14-21, 2003, in Istanbul (Turkey) during the regular
championship of Europe on wrestling the first medal in the history
ASUD was conquered. The hero’s name was Aziz Amoyan - the weight
category of 66 kg. His partner in the combined team, the young
champion Stepan Arutyunyan, was very close to his first international
reward - in Istanbul, he occupied the fourth place.
Next World tournament on wrestling held In October 5-12, 2004
in Sofia (Bulgaria) turned out to be even more successful. The
team of participants on these competitions was considerably
stronger than on the continental championship, and it is Sofia
that the first gold medal in the history of ASUD was gained.
Here Aziz Amoyan gained a high prize in the weight category
of 66 kg. Stepan Harutyunyan improved his European achievement,
gaining the first silver medal in the weight category of 60
kg in his International career. Harutyunyan’s victorious experience
of the mentioned championship turned was very useful for the
athlete in Australia during the XX
Surdlimpic games. In Melbourne Stepan occupied the 5th place
in the weight category of 60 kg both Greco-Roman and on freestyle.
This still remains the highest achievement of Armenian athletes
at the International Games. Actually, witnessing the pace of
their advancement, we can say without any doubt, that we will
not have to wait long for new surdlimpic medals.
It is obvious that to multiply our success on the international
arena, it is necessary to develop sport inside the country:
carry out regular championships, hold regular trainings, organize
actions for the popularization of sports and healthy lifestyle.
Management of ASUD considers, that all the above mentioned should
be the basic issues and make all the possible efforts for the
implementation of those highly prioritized plans. Thus, in June
2001 the Armenian championships on wrestling and table tennis
were carried out for the hearing impaired. Besides, the hearing-impaired
football players successfully presented themselves in the championship
of Armenia on mini football among those hearing. Until recently,
ASUD did not have the possibility of carrying out competitions
on the regular basis, since the organization did not have its
own gymnasiums, and renting a gymnasium and stadium is not an
affordable pleasure. Fortunately, at the end of 2004 it became
possible to solve this problem also. ASUD signed a lease agreement
for universal sports hall for 20 years. The Armenian society
of hearing impaired rendered a feasible assistance in the solution
of this important question. Having signed the agreement, ASUD
started the renovation of the sports hall at the expenses of
its general sponsor "GriAnd". By the end of the renovation
works the gymnasium will turn into a contemporary sport construction,
capable of accepting high-level competitions. Now Armenian hard-of-hearing
sportsmen have their own home. Possessing a gym, ASUD can start
organizing internal competitions on the regular basis. It is
planned to develop not only such popular among the hearing impaired
Armenians forms of sport as wrestling, football and table tennis,
but also to cultivate such new disciplines as tennis and badminton.
It is necessary to revive the system of sports for children
and youth. A lot of efforts are now made in this direction.
In addition, ASUD with assistance of the "GriAnd"
initiated the renovation of the wrestling hall Yerevan boarding
school for the hearing impaired children. Management ASUD hopes,
that here new talents will grow to continue the victorious traditions
of Armenian champions on the international arena.
We understand fairly well, that sports for hearing impaired
children and youth do not have only sport, but also social and
rehabilitative meaning. Therefore, increased attention should
be given to these questions. Certainly, to revive the sport
of hearing impaired and to conduct valuable work on its further
development the endeavors of only ASUD will not be enough. Serious
state support will also be needed. During recent years positive
tendencies were noticed in the dialogue between ASUD and state
bodies. Business relations and partnership has been established.
In 2005 an agreement on cooperation was signed between ASUD
and State Committee of Physical Culture
and Sport attached to the government of the RA. The first result
of this agreement was financing the participation of Armenian
team in the XX surdlimpic games in Australia. Formerly, our
athletes would participate in international competitions only
at the expenses of ASUD. The Olympic committee of Armenia and
Yerevan Municipality also understand the needs and problems
of hearing impaired athletes. With their support ASUD obtained
the right for conducting The II World Wrestling Championship
of the hearing impaired in 2008.
We also plans to organize a large tournament - the Wrestling
Championship of Europe in 2011. These competitions must open
a new page in the history of ASUD and thus mark the following
stage of development of the Armenian sports of the hearing impaired
