The Deaflympics Opening Ceremony took place this week. The event celebrated Deaf athletes, Deaf culture, and inclusion. There was a Parade of Athletes, the Deaflympics flag was raised, and performers showed both Japanese culture and Deaf culture. Deaf athletes also took an oath in sign language, promising to follow the rules and show good sportsmanship. The Deaflympics are being held in Tokyo, Japan, from November 15 to 26. The competition includes 21 sports, such as athletics, basketball, cycling, football, judo, shooting, swimming, table tennis, tennis, and wrestling. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Deaflympics. The first games were held in Paris in 1924. It is also the 25th Summer Deaflympics, since the event takes place every four years. The next Winter Deaflympics will be in Austria in 2027. This year has a record of 81 countries taking part. Many more nations are joining now compared to the first Deaflympics, which had only nine countries. New participants this year include Laos, East Timor, and one refugee athlete from South Sudan. This is the first time a refugee athlete has ever competed individually in the Deaflympics. Russia is allowed to send up to 45 athletes, but only for individual sports. They cannot use their flag or anthem. Belarusian athletes also cannot compete as a national team and must participate as neutral athletes. In total, there are 3,081 athletes competing this year. This is the first time Japan has hosted the Deaflympics. The official mascot is Yuriito, a black-headed gull created by students in 2013. For the Deaflympics, Yuriito wears a white shirt with pink and green designs. The Deaflympics Square in Tokyo is the main hub for transportation and activities. It helps athletes travel to at least 19 sports and practice venues. It also offers fun programs and interactive areas where visitors can learn about Deaf culture and sports. There will be performances such as Japanese puppetry, juggling, cup-stacking, and more. The Square is free for everyone to visit.

A 12-year-old Deaf girl in Germany was shot and seriously injured by police. Officers went to her mother’s apartment to check on her because she had run away from a group care home and needed important medication. Both the girl and her mother are Deaf. Police knocked on the door, but the mother did not hear them. A locksmith was called, but before he arrived, the mother finally opened the door. Officers entered and searched the apartment. During the search, the girl walked toward the officers holding two knives. Believing she was about to attack them, the police fired a taser and their guns at the same time. After shooting her, they gave first aid until an ambulance arrived. She had emergency surgery and is now in stable but critical condition. Her mother is in shock and believes her daughter may not have understood what was happening. Earlier, the girl had told her mother, “I can’t take it anymore,” and may have been scared or confused. Police had been informed that she was missing, needed medication, and was likely at the apartment. The incident is now under investigation. Many people online are questioning why officers used force on a minor, especially a Deaf child. Others are asking why a crisis team or specialists were not sent instead.