The 2013 Deaf National Open Trials for freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling will take place this Saturday at Hayfield High School in Alexandria, Va.

The Trials will determine the teams for the 22nd Deaflympic Games, set for July 26-Aug. 4 in Sofia, Bulgaria. However, wrestlers unable to attend due to injury or illness may have the opportunity to petition for a challenge in their weight class.

To qualify, athletes must have a hearing loss of 55dB or greater in their better ear. Hearing aids may not be used at Trials or the Deaflympic Games. FILA and USA Wrestling rules apply to this competition. In addition, wrestlers must be at least 16 years of age, unless they are already National or International champions, and must turn 17 this year. Wrestlers must be U.S. citizens and hold an active 2013 USA Wrestling membership. 

About the Deaflympics

The Summer and Winter Deaflympics are among the world's fastest growing sports events. More than 4,000 deaf athletes and officials from 77 nations participated in the 21st Summer Deaflympics in Taipei, Taiwan, in September 2009. Over 600 athletes and officials participated in the 16th Winter Deaflympics in Salt Lake City, Utah in February 2007.

The games are built on 85 years of tradition. Organized since 1924 by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf, the first Summer Deaflympics were held in Paris. Winter Deaflympics were added in 1949. The Summer and Winter Deaflympics are sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee. 

The need for separate games for deaf athletes is not just evident in the numbers of participants. Deaf athletes are distinguished from all others in their special communication needs on the sports field, as well as in the social interaction that is an equally vital part of the games.

About the USA Deaf Sports Federation

The USA Deaf Sports Federation’s (USADSF) purpose is to foster and regulate uniform rules of competition and provide social outlets for deaf members and their friends; serve as a parent organization of national sports organizations; conduct annual athletic competitions; and assist in the participation of US Teams in international competition.

Recognized as the only national athletic association to coordinate the participation of American deaf and hard of hearing individuals in international competitions, the Federation is affiliated with the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD).

The International Olympic Committee officially recognizes the ICSD as the sole organization responsible for the administration of all sporting events involving the deaf and hard of hearing. Conditions of competition in the Deaflympics are similar to those for the Olympic Games.