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USADSF hosts welcome reception in Taipei

by Chris Kaftan on September 7, 2009

The USA Deaf Sports Federation hosted a welcome reception Monday evening at Miramar Garden Taipei Hotel to welcome parents, fans and supporters of the U.S. Deaflympic Team. Close to 300 attendees participated in the reception at the main restaurant of the hotel, the main residence of the U.S. team in Taiwan. With beautiful tropical foliage and waterfalls shimmering in the night light, U.S. Team Director William Bowman welcomed the audience and thanked the athletes for their hard work leading up to the Taipei Games. “This is a testament of your commitment to the sport and the U.S. team,” Bowman said, referring to the fundraising efforts each Deaflympian had to undertake to get to Taipei. “I am proud of your accomplishments,” Bowman added, looking at each athlete in the room. Bowman also introduced Julie Kavanagh, chief of the American Institute in Taiwan — the consular version of the American Embassy. Kavanagh praised the Deaflympians’s efforts and wished them the best of luck during their competitions. USA Deaf Sports Federation president Dr. Lawrence Fleischer also took the platform to encourage each athlete to strive to do their best. “This is your year!” he proclaimed. Bowman ended the evening by introducing American shot putter Joanel Lopez. Earlier in the evening, Lopez won the United States’ second gold of the Deaflympics in men’s shot put. Lopez told the crowd he had never heard of the Deaflympics until a year ago and credited his friend Chi Ming Pun, a member of the men’s basketball team, for introducing him to the Deaflympics. “I won three major competitions this year. One in college, one in a club tournament and now the Deaflympics. This tops them all!” Lopez smiled. Attendees cheered at the end of the presentations and were treated to ice cream, sheet cake decorated with the U.S. Deaflympics logo and beverages and mingled with family, friends and supporters.
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