During the General Assembly of the European Deaf Sport Organisation (EDSO), representatives of the 31 (total 46 members) European deaf sports federations gathered in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the presence of Adam Kosa (Chair of the ICSD) and Sofia Isari (Chair of the EUD). The two-day conference focused on good governance, the development of sport, elections and the further expansion of international cooperation within deaf sport.
On behalf of BDC, chairman Jan Van den Braembussche and director of elite sport Lieven Kind attended this important congress.
Key policy decisions
The meeting covered an extensive agenda, including the approval of annual and financial reports, the recognition of San Marino as a provisional member, and the discussion of new election regulations. It also considered future sporting calendars, the organisation of the 2028 European Deaf Games (not the same as this year’s Youth Games) in Istanbul and the establishment of an international football federation for the deaf at European level (EDFA = European Deaf Football Association).
Elections to the Executive Committee
A key part of the conference was the election of the new EDSO board for the period 2026–2030.
Various candidates from Greece, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Czech Republic, Latvia and Turkey stood for the positions of chair, vice-chair and board member. The candidates presented their vision regarding transparency, sustainability, youth development and the further professionalisation of the organisation.
The following directors were elected for a four-year term (2026–2030)
On behalf of BDC, chairman Jan Van den Braembussche and director of elite sport Lieven Kind attended this important congress.
Key policy decisions
The meeting covered an extensive agenda, including the approval of annual and financial reports, the recognition of San Marino as a provisional member, and the discussion of new election regulations. It also considered future sporting calendars, the organisation of the 2028 European Deaf Games (not the same as this year’s Youth Games) in Istanbul and the establishment of an international football federation for the deaf at European level (EDFA = European Deaf Football Association).
Elections to the Executive Committee
A key part of the conference was the election of the new EDSO board for the period 2026–2030.
Various candidates from Greece, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Czech Republic, Latvia and Turkey stood for the positions of chair, vice-chair and board member. The candidates presented their vision regarding transparency, sustainability, youth development and the further professionalisation of the organisation.
The following directors were elected for a four-year term (2026–2030)
- Iosif Stavrakakis (GRE) – president
- Norbert Hensen (GER) – vice-president
- Burku Piskin (TUR) – director
- Iveta Kraze (LET) – director
- Gergely Tapolczai (HUN) – director
In addition, Anton Petric (SLO) remains in post as CEO and Andreas Brändel (GER) as head of sports operations.
Proposals from the Member States
Several members submitted multiple proposals. For example, the United Kingdom advocated the further development of Darts within European deaf sport and called for an evaluation of the collaboration with the Deaf Champions League. Denmark wants to promote a new sport: disc golf. Germany called for a safeguarding policy, whilst Switzerland proposed a fairer rotation system for seats at congresses. Italy and Germany submitted proposals concerning governance structure and financial penalties for teams withdrawing late from championships.
COP as a digital platform for various registrations and financial monitoring
On the first day, the COP (short for Communication Online Platform) was introduced. This will be a handy tool for anyone involved in deaf sport at European level. Both members and EDSO administrators can use this platform for various registrations. The old way of working via emails and various PDF registration forms will be a thing of the past from 1 January 2027!
This should ensure a more efficient way of working together at European level.
Financial future
The EDSO Board also proposed an increase in membership fees. According to the Board, this adjustment is necessary to cover rising costs for conferences, administration and support systems, and to continue to guarantee services to members.
Looking to the future
The General Assembly reaffirmed EDSO’s ambition to further strengthen European deaf sport. The focus is on good governance, inclusion, youth development, international cooperation and a stable organisational foundation. With preparations underway for future European Championships and the 2028 European Deaf Games, the organisation appears ready for a new phase of growth.
The next congress will take place in Baku, Azerbajan in June 2027.
‘This conference has demonstrated that the European Deaf sports movement continues to work ambitiously, innovatively and with a focus on the future to create opportunities for Deaf athletes across Europe.’
Following this conference, all delegates were warmly welcomed at the Sarajevo clubhouse, close to the city centre. Numerous trophies and a rich sporting history added colour to the clubhouse.
