The USA Deaf Sports Federation is devastated and heartbroken to learn of Mr. Ralph Fernandez’s sudden passing. The CEO of the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf at the time of his passing, Fernandez also served on the USADSF Board of Directors from 2018 to 2023, prior to stepping away to join the ICSD.
As an ardent supporter of the Deaflympic movement, Fernandez’s illustrious career also included two Deaflympic medals in cycling, a stint with the Organizing Committee of the 2007 Salt Lake City Deaflympics, and a lengthy tenure as the ICSD Technical Director of Cycling from 2010-2017. His tireless work for ICSD and numerous contributions to Deaf sports earned him the highest honor bestowed by the organization, the ICSD Medal of Honor, at the 2017 Summer Deaflympics in Samsun.
As a cyclist at his first World Games for the Deaf in Los Angeles in 1985, Ralph competed in the 1,000m sprint event and earned the silver medal. At the 1987 World Championships in Belgium, Ralph won gold in the same event. Fernandez also competed at the 1989 World Games for the Deaf in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Fernandez’s experience as a competitive rider led him to serve various roles in international cycling. He got his first international coaching experience at the 2006 World Deaf Cycling Championships in San Francisco with the U.S. Deaf Cycling's mountain bike team, and at the 2009 Deaflympics in Taipei. He later served as Technical Director for international cycling competitions from 2010 to 2017.
In addition to his cycling expertise, Fernandez’s skills as an artist also led to his creation of the former USADSF and the current Deaflympic logos.
During his time with USADSF, Fernandez played an integral role in modernizing USADSF’s systems, policies, and bylaws through his work on the USADSF Governance committee and on the USADSF’s Online Management System (OMS). Fernandez also led the integration of OMS tools in USADSF’s current website in order to streamline data and optimize browsing. Previously, Fernandez also implemented the ICSD’s OMS and website. Fernandez’s work in championing secure information systems significantly enhanced USADSF’s best practices and the ways in which USADSF serves its athletes.
In addition, Fernandez served as the USADSF representative on international affairs since, fostering strong relations with the international Deaf sports community and ensuring the success of United States Deaf National Teams and the United States Deaflympic Teams at ICSD-sanctioned events. At USADSF, Fernandez also participated in a number of initiatives—including the Hall of Fame Committee—and served as USADSF’s chef de mission representative at the 24th Deaflympics in Caxias do Sul, Brazil. Fernandez also served as a USADSF Delegate to the three ICSD Congresses, including the 47th Congress in Verceia, Italy, 48th Extraordinary Congress in Lausanne, Switzerland, and the 49th Congress in Vienna, Austria, helping pass a number of key reforms.
“I have had the incredible privilege and honor to work closely with Ralph throughout the years, and he was such a dedicated and tenacious engine for the Deaf sports movement, often working in the trenches unseen, and going above and beyond for Deaf athletes,” remarked USADSF President Jeffrey Mansfield. “Ralph was one of a kind, and we will miss and remember Ralph’s for his contributions and friendship.”
Originally hailing from southern California, Fernandez was a long-time resident of Washington D.C. A first-generation Cuban-American, Fernandez earned his undergraduate degree from Gallaudet University in business management. Previously, Ralph worked as the Database Administrator of VL2 at Gallaudet University and as the Information Technology Officer at ICSD.
When his position as the ICSD CEO took him to Switzerland for an extended period this past year, he relished in doing some of his favorite activities, including biking, hiking, traveling in the Alps and throughout Europe.
USA Deaf Sports Federation requests that our community respect the privacy of Mr. Fernandez’s family during this difficult time. More details about memorials and tributes will be forthcoming.
For all inquiries related to this news or general inquiries, please contact us at info@usdeafsports.org.