The games are sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee, IOC. But unlike the athletes in all other IOC sanctioned games, including the Olympics, the Paralympics and the Special Olympics, the Deaflympians cannot be guided by starter's guns, bullhorn commands or referee whistles. Nor can they experience the crucial sense of inclusion in other general games because they cannot just strike up a conversation or in other ways communicate instantly or in a practical manner with fellow hearing athletes.