From January 15–24, 2027, the world’s top Deaf and hard of hearing winter athletes will compete at the Winter Deaflympics in Innsbruck, Austria, governed by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD).
For Team USA, the road to Innsbruck is already underway—and we’re looking for industry partners who want to help make it possible.
Who we are
The U.S. Deaf Ski & Snowboard Association (USDSSA), working alongside the USA Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF), supports Deaf and hard of hearing athletes who train and compete at an elite level. The Deaflympics are a distinct international competition with clear eligibility standards (including a minimum 55 dB hearing loss in the better ear, and no use of hearing aids/external cochlear implant parts during competition).
Sports represented on Team USA’s winter pathway
Team USA is building strength across multiple winter disciplines, including:
- Alpine Skiing
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Snowboarding (Alpine Snowboarding & Freestyle Snowboarding)
- Ice Hockey
- Curling
- Chess
Why sponsorship matters now
Winter sport is expensive—travel, training, equipment, uniforms, and support staff add up quickly. Our Team USA winter delegation is expected to be approximately 75–80 people, including athletes and essential staff.
We’re actively seeking sponsorships and in-kind partnerships to support:
- Athlete training and competition travel
- Team uniforms / outerwear and cold-weather gear
- Gloves, goggles, helmets, and safety equipment
- Wax, tuning tools, and service supplies (ski and snowboard)
- Footwear for Opening Ceremony / travel
- Accessible communication support (captioning, interpreting, media)
A Team USA story worth telling
Our athletes aren’t just competing—they’re representing the U.S. on a global stage while navigating unique barriers in sport.
Team USA snowboarding is led by proven Deaflympics champions like Lauren Weibert and Sean Esson, both gold medalists who have delivered under international pressure and helped set the standard for the next generation of U.S. Deaf athletes.
Why Snowbound Expo exhibitors are a perfect fit
Snowbound Expo brings together the exact ecosystem that makes winter sport possible—brands, retailers, resorts, manufacturers, and innovators. Partnering with Team USA Deaf athletes is a chance to:
- Align your brand with Team USA pride, performance, and inclusion
- Reach a highly engaged, loyal community of winter athletes and supporters
- Generate meaningful storytelling and visibility through social media, press outreach, and event coverage
- Demonstrate real commitment to access and equity in sport
How your brand can help
We welcome:
- Cash sponsorships (team support, travel, training, uniforms, media)
- In-kind product donations
- Delegation discounts / pro deals
- Service partnerships (waxing, tuning, outfitting, logistics)
Let’s talk
If your company is interested in supporting Team USA’s Deaf winter athletes—through sponsorship, product, or discounts—we’d love to connect.
Contact: Lisa Tempesta
USDSSA / USADSF Winter Delegation Support