PLEASE REQUEST HAND SIGNALS FOR ALL RACES IN OLYMPIC TRIALS

For those of you attending the trials or watching on TV, please request that they use hand signals for EVERY event. They will use signals for my event, but there is no guarantee it will be well practiced or accurate unless they are constantly using it for EVERY race. Please write in to USA swimming to request hand signals... If they use hand signals, then Deaf and hard of hearing audience members can also see and fully enjoy the race experience! Please feel free to use the template letter below!


To whom it may concern at USA Swimming

Hi, my name is_________. I am ___ years old a deaf swimmer, and I am also a paying member of USA Swimming. I am coming to Omaha to watch Olympic trials with my family. In order for the meet to be accessible to me and my family, I would like to request hand signals for all of the starts so that I can see the official saying to step up and to take your mark. This is a once in a lifetime trip to olympic trials for me. These accommodations come at no cost to you, and would make my experience as a swim fan at olympic trials that much better. I can't wait to tell my local media that you responded to me saying "YES" that you will make trials accessible to me. Thank you for doing the right thing.

signed ______________


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Fellow athletes! Please help me make hand signals part of a universal start at the trials. If the hand signals are used for EVERY heat in EVERY event, then there should be no mistakes since the refs will be very well practiced! Please send this letter to USA swimming requesting hand signals for your events!

Dear Coach Busch,

Hi, my name is (_____________). I will be competing in the (example: 50 freestyle) at the 2012 Olympic Trials.

I would like you to use hand signals for the start of my races because it is loud in the CenturyLink Center, and I am not sure I will be able to hear the starter commands through my swim cap and over the sound of the crowd. I don't want to leave anything to chance. I will not be stepping up on to the blocks without hand signals. The start is a very important part of my race. Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincereley, ________________