2013 World Dwarf Games, Final Wrap up
It was the largest sporting event in history exclusively for dwarf athletes, and YOU were there!
Whether on campus or by following us on social media, from Opening Ceremonies to the Closing Banquet, it was an amazing experience: 400 athletes, 17 international teams, over a thousand people registered: fans, families members and friends, coaches, managers, trainers and officials; Hundreds of volunteers, countless spectators from around the community and around the world; Intense media attention, international coverage rivaling any event held by or about the dwarf community in decades. And you were an important part!
Results
The event was record-setting and so were the amazing athletic performances. We crowned the fastest dwarf on the planet from Australia, the best soccer team in the world from USA, and the most highly decorated team (medal count per athlete) from Spain. All the data for the World Dwarf Games records is now online here, the formal listing of records by sport is still being developed.
Memories
The driving beat of the Opening Ceremony drum line, the raucous Mason Aquatics Center, the huge crowd at DeMartin Soccer Stadium, the constant bustle at Athlete Village, the solitary thoughts of an athlete preparing for a gold medal performance – memories will last a lifetime
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Want to see the week in review?
The closing banquet 25 minute video slide show of highlights from the week is now available on CD. Send a $15 US check payable to DAAA to: Amy Welch, 5999 Harvey Street, Haslett, MI 48840, USA.
Professional photos available!
Amazing galleries, over 4,700 candid and action shots, are available on Alan Holben’s web site. http://www.alanholbenphoto.com/. Purchased photos will arrive in much higher resolution and clarity than the snap shots on the site. Professional quality pictures from the Games are excellent for:
- Feedback – show your donors and fans the fantastic impact of their support.
- Fundraising – start now soliciting funds to pay for your training, travel, and entry fees for future competitions; actual photos of you and your team are priceless.
- Awareness – submit your pictures to your school yearbook and student web sites so your peers and faculty have concrete insight into how you spent your summer vacation. And don’t forget your family and friends!
Share yours too
We encourage you to post your personal photos from the Games on the World Dwarf Games Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/WorldDwarfGames2013. If you haven’t seen the photos, videos, media links, and comments currently posted there, almost 3,000 others already have – and they took the time to like us!
Talk about a souvenir!
Be the only person in your country to own one!
Eight 2013 World Dwarf Games banners are available, first come, first served.
These are the rugged 3′ by 6′ all-weather banners displayed at the Games. Imagine one on the wall of your trophy room or as the backdrop in your office.
Email DAAA Treasurer Stacie Pouliot staciepouliot@comcast.net with a subject line “I want a WDG Banner” and include your shipping address. We’ll respond with the total cost ($50 US plus shipping) and payment options.
We also have the “Welcome to Athlete Village” banner that flew over the Case Hall entrance at the same price.
There is still history to be made . . .
The International Dwarf Athletic Federation (IDAF) is interested in identifying people who believe they can make a contribution on the international level.
If there is an area where you think you can make a contribution, please email IDAF President Arthur Dean idaf_president@live.co.uk with your interest and a brief resume of your related experiences.
We would like your feedback now that you have had ample time to put your experiences in perspective, we would like to hear your comments or suggestions to enhance the next World Games.
Thank You
So many people gave so much to make the 2013 Games a success! From the First Lady of the United States who took time to welcome all to the Games, to the individual donor who could only afford $1.20, and made the effort to donate it – every single contribution of time, energy, and resources was appreciated! Please do take another look at the official VI World Dwarf Games program guide where we list all the contributors. For your convenience, an electronic copy is available on the WDG website here.here.
Then thank the folks listed that you know; support the companies and institutions who contributed when you can; remember the athletes whose lives will be forever enhanced by the experience; and cherish the role you played in helping to make it all happen!
Closing thoughts
On October 25, 2012, as part of Dwarfism Awareness Day, we held the first official news conference to announce the 2013 World Dwarf Games on the campus of Michigan State University.
Now, October 25, 2013, Dwarfism Awareness Day, we wrap up our responsibilities as the 2013 World Dwarf Games host. On behalf of the Dwarf Athletic Association of America, the World Dwarf Games Steering Committee, and all our staff and volunteers, it was a pleasure to be of service and an honor to share this moment in history with you!
It was a blast!
The World Dwarf Games
August 3 – 10, 2013
Michigan State University
East Lansing,
MI, USA