SPORTS in sign language

For a very long time before there was language accessibility and bilingual education, Deaf athletes enjoy interacting with hearing participants via sports, a form of communication to some degree.

ASL signs for SPORTS

If you're a fan of sports and want to learn how to sign "sports" in American Sign Language, here it is! Plus some links to different sports, from basketball to soccer.

Definition: An athletic activity, game, or competition requiring skill and physical effort and often of a competitive nature.

Pronunciation (sign description): Two-handed "10" (or thumb-up) handshape with palms facing each other, one moves forward while the other one moves backward, alternating a few times.

Learner tip: Don't confuse this similar signword with COMPETE/COMPETITION and few other synonyms.

Vocabulary

Some sports signs: BASEBALL (Where did umpire signals come from?), BASKETBALL, BOXING, FOOTBALL (Did you know who invented a huddle?), GOLF, HOCKEY, KARATE, SKIING, SOCCER, SWIMMING (Did you know that the creator of this website was a competitive swimmer?), SOCCER, TENNIS, track and field, VOLLEYBALL, WRESTLING.

More related signs: DEAFLYMPICS is a Deaf version of OLYMPICS; GAME, TOURNAMENT, WATERSPORTS.

Sports for Deaf youths

The benefits of sports are not limited to the physical fitness but extend to the emotional and social aspects as well, making it a valuable activity for all children. It can help children develop resilience, determination, and perseverance, which are valuable life skills that can benefit them in other areas of their lives.

Especially, sports can help build self-esteem and confidence in deaf children, just as it can for hearing children. It provides a sense of accomplishment, teamwork, and a feeling of belonging.

A little more about Deaf sports and Deaflympics.

Written ASL

[Note: ASL writing is not an official standard. This sign language writing remains in a state of open space to allow room for experiment, evolution, and improvement.]

How to write ASL for SPORTS

Written ASL digit for SPORTS. [Contributed by ASLwrite, 2019]

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