Public Affairs Counselor Robert Howes Bids Farewell to a Group of Argentine Athletes Participating in The 21st Summer Deaflympics Hosted in Taipei

August 10, 2009

Robert Howes with the Athletes

Public Affairs Counselor received on August 10 a delegation of 57 deaf athletes aged 17 to 64 coming from different Argentine provinces. These athletes will take part in the 21st Deaflympics to be hosted in Taipei in September. Since the athletes will be in-transit passengers in Washington Dulles, New York and Los Angeles at different points in their trip, the group visited the U.S. Embassy Consular Section to obtain visas. 

“I congratulate these athletes for their unrelenting work and dedication proved by the numerous sports successes. These athletes are a true example of self-improvement and strength to face any kind of challenges.” – said Public Affairs Officer Robert Howes.

Sponsored by CADES (Confederación Argentina Deportiva de Sordos), the athletes will compete in basketball, volleyball, football, archery, fishing, swimming, track, tennis and martial arts. More information about the activities can be found in the web page of the institution: www.cades.org.ar. CADES prepares athletes form secondary school leagues and sponsors them to represent Argentina when they reach their full potential. 

The group earned 17 gold medals for swimming in the Panamerican Games hosted in Venezuela and one gold and one bronze medal in track and field, and archery; respectively. The women’s volleyball and men’s soccer teams won silver medals in the same games. The men’s soccer team were 2003 Panamerican Games Champions. Last year, women’s and men’s teams ended in the fifth place in the First World Deaf Championship. 

The delegation won three gold medals in martial arts in Russia and one silver and one bronze medal in tournaments hosted in France. Last year, the karate team earned two bronze medals, one silver and one gold medal in competitions held in Taipei.

 After congratulating the delegation for being selected to represent Argentina in the Deaflympics to be hosted in Taipei, the Public Affairs Counselor Robert Howes said goodbye to the athletes and wished them the best of luck on their trip and lots of success with their sports competitions.