The Dwarf Athletic Association of America is an Americanathletic organization that sponsors and organizes athletic events for people with dwarfism.
History
Founded in 1985, the DAAA's purpose is to develop, promote, and provide little people athletes with organized and quality amateur athletics in a supportive environment. DAAA holds the idea that there is a lack of sports opportunity for little people in America and they look to fill the void and provide an environment that rewards dwarf athletes by taking their potential seriously and giving them a realistic opportunity to succeed through hard work and dedication. The DAAA also believes that "the dream of honoring America in international competition should be as real for a dwarf athlete as it is for any other in the country."
Mission
According to its website, the DAAA's mission is: "To encourage people with dwarfism to participate in sports regardless of their level of skills." It is also to help dwarfs to realize their true potential in life. Many dwarfs attend this spectacular program to do just this.
Sports and Eligibility
The DAAA organizes and promotes dwarf athletics in a variety of sports for a variety of ages. They also sponsor clinics and development events around the United States.
Due to the medical nature of dwarfism, the DAAA has certain requirements that must be met for eligibility. These requirements include :
Disproportionate dwarves and proportionate dwarves with a height that is less than or equal to four feet ten inches are usually eligible to compete
All participants must meet a special medical clearance and file a current medical release form
All athletes must also sign a "Waiver and Release of Liability and Publicity Release" in order to participate
Events
In addition to the development of youth and adult dwarf athletes, the DAAA also organizes a number of local, regional, and national events to promote healthy competition among other little people.
National Dwarf Games
The National Dwarf Games is a yearly amateur competition organized by the DAAA and only open to little people. Athletes are divided on the basis of age, gender, and functional ability classifications. There are also events for ages 8–15, but these are meant to emphasize in the achievement of personal best. Also, youth seven and under can participate in special programs where everybody wins. In 2007, the National Dwarf Games were held in Seattle, Washington, in conjunction with the 2007 Little People of America conference.
World Dwarf Games
The World Dwarf Games are an international competition that allows little people to compete at an international level. The games are held every four years at locations around the world. Athletes that have shown outstanding athleticism during the National Dwarf Games are chosen to participate in the World Dwarf Games. The World Dwarf Games were first held in Chicago in 1993 and was hosted by the DCCC. During this inaugural games, the International Dwarf Athletic Federation was conceived. Since then, the World Dwarf Games have been held every four years at cities around the world. The 2017 World Dwarf Games took place in Guelph, Canada.
Kurling is an evolution form of the original curling game, adapted so that it can be played indoors on any smooth, flat surface, like a sports hall instead of on ice.
The DAAA has been featured in a number of episodes on the American television SeriesLittle People, Big World on TLC. The show, featured around the dwarf members of the Roloff family, has displayed a number of episodes where members of the family have participated in events sponsored by the DAAA. Zach Roloff competes in soccer regularly, and in 2006, Amy competed in Bocce.
