Deaf Sports New Zealand (formerly called the Deaf Amateur Sports Association, then the New Zealand Deaf Sports Association, then Deaf Sports Federation of New Zealand) is an organisation whose vision is to encourage Deaf people to participate in sport in New Zealand both on a recreational and competitive basis. Sports have traditionally played an important role in the Deaf community, providing a focal point for regional communities to come together, not just to see who can run the fastest or jump the furthest, but also to catch up with friends from all over New Zealand and around the world. Deaf Sports New Zealand takes this cultural tradition and raises it to the next level of competitiveness and professionalism by preparing athletes for competition, and training of coaches for international duties, including coaching qualification.