Maturín, Venezuela – The Federación Venezolana Polideportiva de Sordos (FEPOSOR), the Venezuelan Federation for Deaf Sports, has begun a nationwide talent identification program aimed at bolstering the country’s presence at future Deaflympic Games. The initiative, launched with a technical visit to the state of Monagas, seeks to uncover and develop athletes with hearing impairments across a range of sporting disciplines.
Representatives from FEPOSOR’s technical commission recently completed an evaluation trip to Maturín, the capital of Monagas state, meeting with athletes, coaches, and local sports authorities. The goal was to identify promising talent currently outside the established federated system and integrate them into high-performance development programs. This effort underscores Venezuela’s commitment to adaptive sports and its ambition to compete successfully on the international stage.
A Dedicated Scouting Team
The evaluation team included sensei Mario Toro, a respected martial arts instructor, Jhonny Rodríguez, the director of adaptive sports for the Monagas State Sports Institute, and Ollarvides Marshall, a representative from the federation’s technical massification department. Rodríguez highlighted the growing participation in sports among the deaf community within the region, specifically noting strong development in athletics, judo, wrestling, karate, taekwondo, futsal (indoor soccer), and beach soccer.
“We are very satisfied with the diagnosis made. There is an important seeding of new athletes here that will undoubtedly contribute great achievements to Venezuelan sport in the international arena,” Rodríguez stated, according to a press release from Mindeporte, Venezuela’s Ministry of Sport.
Focus on the 2029 Deaflympics and Beyond
FEPOSOR’s diagnostic work in Monagas is a key component of a long-term strategy focused on the 2029 Deaflympic Games, scheduled to be held in Greece. The federation intends to use the information gathered to incorporate new athletes into the competitive system and prepare them for upcoming international commitments. However, the program isn’t solely focused on the immediate future; it also encompasses a development cycle geared towards the 2033 Deaflympics, demonstrating a sustained commitment to building a strong foundation for deaf athletes in Venezuela.
The initiative aims to ensure that athletes with hearing impairments have increased opportunities for sports development and full integration into both national and international competitive environments. This includes providing access to quality coaching, training facilities, and competitive opportunities.
FEPOSOR expressed its gratitude to the sports authorities in Monagas state for their support during the evaluation visit and reaffirmed its commitment to continuing these scouting efforts throughout the country. The federation believes that by proactively identifying and nurturing talent, it can significantly enhance Venezuela’s performance in deaf sports.
The growing interest in sports for individuals with hearing impairments in Venezuela reflects a broader global trend towards inclusivity and accessibility in athletics. The Deaflympics, officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee, provide a platform for deaf athletes to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level. The games emphasize that athletic achievement is not limited by physical ability and that everyone deserves the opportunity to participate in sports.
FEPOSOR’s next step involves expanding this talent search to other regions of Venezuela, with the ultimate goal of assembling a competitive team capable of representing the nation with pride at the 2029 Deaflympics in Greece and beyond. Fans interested in following the progress of Venezuelan deaf athletes can find updates on the Mindeporte website and through FEPOSOR’s social media channels.
