USA Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF) is proud to announce the selection of Lynn Ray Boren and Justen Burns as the Team Leaders for the United States delegation to the 25th Summer Deaflympics, to be held in Tokyo, Japan from November 15-26, 2025.
Lynn Ray Boren, a three-time Deaflympian and two-time medalist in Handball, comes with an impressive background in Deaf sports, having played in, or coached in a total of eight Summer Deaflympics between 1993 and 2022. In addition to his Deaflympic experience, Lynn Ray has been instrumental in leading the revitalization of the USA Deaf Volleyball program, which saw its best-ever result at the World Deaf Volleyball Championships 2024 with the women winning silver and the men finishing fourth in a talented field. Lynn Ray currently serves as the head coach of women’s volleyball and as the Assistant Athletic Director at Gallaudet University.
Boren will serve as the Team Leader - Sports, where he will work closely with each National Sport Organization throughout the next year to ensure that each sport’s unique needs are met throughout the Games.
A newcomer to international Deaf Sports, Justen Burns comes with over a decade of coaching and mentorship experience. The current Head Coach of Women’s Softball at Gallaudet, Justen previously served as Manager of Student Life at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf, where he worked to ensure that each student and student-athlete feels supported academically as well as in their personal and athletic pursuits. Justen has a Bachelor’s in Social Work and a Masters in Leisure Services Administration from Gallaudet University. His engaging presence and attention to detail will be a valuable asset for the US Deaflympic Team in Tokyo.
Burns will serve as the Team Leader - Operations, where his responsibilities will include athlete services, management of the Team USA Hub, and connecting athletes and all participants with resources in the months leading up to the Games as well as during the Games.
“We could not be more thrilled to work closely with Lynn Ray and Justen to create an optimal environment and experience for Deaf and Hard of Hearing athletes,” remarked USADSF President Jeffrey Mansfield, adding, “We believe that their leadership will contribute to the overall success of the United States delegation by empowering Deaf and Hard of Hearing athletes to be their best selves.”
In the coming months, USADSF will work closely with the Team Leaders to fill additional key roles and responsibilities.
About the Deaflympics
Founded in 1924, the Deaflympics (then known as the International Silent Games) was conceived as a quadriennal international competition between elite Deaf and Hard of Hearing athletes. Today it remains the most prestigious competition among athletes with a hearing loss of greater than 55dB in the better ear. Numerous Deaflympians have also competed in the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Deaflympics are sanctioned by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD), whose constitution mandates that National Deaf Sports Federations shall be governed by boards in which its president and the majority of its members are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. The motto of the Deaflympics is Per Ludos Aequalitas, or “Equality through sport.” The International Olympic Committee formally recognized the ICSD as an “International Federation with Olympic Standing” in 1955 and recognized the term “Deaflympics” in 2001.
About the USA Deaf Sports Federation
USA Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF) is the national governing body of Deaf sports in the United States. USADSF is a member of the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD), the Pan-American Deaf Sports Organization (PANAMDES), and the Affiliate Organizations Council of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).
USADSF is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit. Our mission is to empower USA Deaflympic and Deaf National Teams to continuously reach their highest competitive potential and inspire our communities and society. Our vision is a world where Deaf and Hard of Hearing people shall thrive in all aspects of sport and society with the full provision of equal access and opportunities for participation.
USADSF serves thousands of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Americans by promoting accessible sports environments and experiences for Deaf and Hard of Hearing athletes and ensuring that the athletes’ unique communication needs are met. Since its founding in 1945 as the American Athletic Association for the Deaf (AAAD), USADSF has produced hundreds of Deaflympic, Paralympic, and Olympic champions.
The USADSF does not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, gender, age, orientation, handicap, or veteran status.
For all inquiries related to this news or general inquiries, please contact us at info@usdeafsports.org.