Wissam Constantin

Wissam Constantin, is the first deaf professional player in the Lebanese Basketball League 1.92 m tall (6 ft 4 in) and 85 kg weight (187 lbs).

Born in Maghdouché, South of Lebanon on August 1, 1986, Wissam is the eldest child of Nadim Constantin and Riva Hayek.

IRAP (Institut de Rééducation Audio-Phonétique - Ain Aar) (1997–2003)

After starting his early education at his grandfather’s school, Lycée le Prince, due to certain circumstances, Wissam’s parents decided to move him to another school. IRAP, a special school for the deaf, was their choice. Wissam attended IRAPtill he passed the official exams.

High school (2003–2006)

After graduating from IRAP, there were no secondary schools in Lebanon for Wissam to attend.

Notre Dame University - Zouk Mosbeh - NDU (2006–2009)

Even though foreign countries have specialized universities for deaf people such as Gallaudet University in USA, Wissam insisted on continuing his education in his own country, Lebanon that lacks universities for students with special needs.

Wissam presented an admission test to enter Notre Dame University – Louaize and got accepted. Then he graduated in June 2009 with distinction, to be the first deaf student in Lebanon and the Middle East with this high level of education in his country.

As he said in a TV interview explaining his choice of major: "My dream was to be a doctor and I always believed that I can make it come true. Unfortunately, a 'deaf doctor' is not commonly accepted by the Lebanese society. For this reason, accomplishing my dream in my own country was a bit hard and this is why I found a parallel major: Medical Laboratory Technology."

American University of Beirut - AUB (2009 - present)

Wissam's ambition pushed him to go forward to a master's degree in Microbiology and Immunology. And so he presented himself to the American University of Beirut and got accepted.

From 1998 to 2002

In summer 2001, Wissam joined Maghdouché club U-16 to develop his basketball skills.

Blue Stars 2002–2005

In summer 2002, during a friendly game, Wissam made a double-double (points and rebounds) and showed potentials that attracted Coach Pierre Kordahi who asked him to sign with Blue Stars. Wissam played with Blue Stars for 3 seasons. His most impressive game was the game against al Riyadi. Although they lost the game, Wissam made 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 block shots.

Homentmen 2006-2007

In October 2005, Wissam didn’t sign with any team. After passing his official exams, and entering NDU, he re-continued basketball with the NDU team, then signed with Homentmen.

Central 2007-2008

After an unpleasant season with Homentmen, Wissam moved to the Central team coached by Patrick Saba.

Louaize 2008-2011

Building a strong team which aims to reach the 1st division starting from the 4th division, Louaize chose Wissam to be with them. He signed a contract and played with them for 2 years. They won the 4th division and had 2nd place in the 3rd division. In the 2nd division, Louaize built a better team with coach Chafic Akiki. Wissam renewed the contract for another 2 years. After the failure to reach 1st division, the team broke down and coach Akiki resigned, therefore Wissam decided to resign too.

Aintoura 2012

Due to health problems, Wissam had to stop basketball for 6 months but his passion toward this game prevented him from retiring and for this reason, he decided to start again with Aintoura team to gain his stamina and skills again.

• During his BS program in Medical Laboratory Technology, Wissam made the Dean’s List 3 times; in spring 2008, Fall 2009 and Spring 2009.
• In April 2008, the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences at NDU presented to him Said Akl Creativity Award.
• Moreover, he received the award for Academic Humanity distinction during the Commencement of the graduation Ceremony in July 2009.
• Wissam has also been honored by the Lebanon President Michel Suleiman who received him and his family in October 2009.
• In February 2010, he received an Award from the Lebanese Forces Student’s Association. He was also honored by the Minister of Health Mouhamad Jawad Khalifeh for being the first in the exam of the practice of the profession to the year 2010.
• In December, Wissam received from NDU the Alumni Recognition Award in December 2010 in recognition of an outstanding professional achievement inspirational leadership and exceptional human qualities.

Interviews

• Injil hay - Tele Lumiere - 29 August 2008
• Naharkom Saiid - LBC - with Ziad Fahed - 9 August 2009
• Baynetna - MTV - 13 March 2010
• Eich Hayatak - Tele Lumiere - 6 March 2011

Articles

• "أصحاب التحديات يهدمون حواجز المجتمع بالإرادة" by Roula El Helou - Sinyé magazine - Issue Number 8
• "أول خريج جامعي أصم: وسام قسطنطين" by Roula El Helou - Kamar magazine - 22 August 2009