The 1st World Deaf Ice Hockey and Curling Championships was a winter sporting event at which deaf hockey and curling athletes competed at an elite level. About 250 athletes from Canada, Great Britain, Russia, Finland, Switzerland, Sweden, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia and the United States participated in the event. More than 800 fans and participants were involved as well. Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada hosted this world sporting event for Deaf athletes from around the globe which was held from April 10 to 18, 2009.