Athens, Greece – The 26th Summer Deaflympics will be held in Athens in 2029, marking another significant international sporting event for the Greek capital. The decision came after a persistent and coordinated effort by the Hellenic Sports Federation for the Deaf (EOAK), with strong support from the Municipality of Athens.
Athens Wins Bid in Tight Race Against Zagreb
The Greek bid was presented during a meeting of the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) in Tokyo. In the subsequent vote, Athens secured the hosting rights by a narrow margin, receiving 33 votes compared to Zagreb’s 31. This outcome is considered a major step forward for deaf sports in Greece and an additional opportunity to enhance Athens’ international visibility.
Haris Doukas, the Mayor of Athens, expressed his enthusiasm for the decision. “The assignment of the Summer Deaflympics to Athens is a great honor for our city. It practically demonstrates once again the trust the international sports community places in us to organize major high-level events. At the same time, it is a great victory for inclusion and cooperation. Athens embraced this effort from the very beginning and stood by all those who worked with faith, perseverance, and dedication. With this organization, we send a strong message that sports are for everyone,” stated Mayor Doukas.
Mayor Doukas had previously supported Athens’ official candidacy with a letter, explicitly stating his commitment and conviction for the successful preparation and implementation of the event.
Collaboration and Inclusivity at the Forefront
Iosif Stavrakakis, President of the Hellenic Sports Federation for the Deaf, highlighted the collaborative effort involved. “This international distinction reflects the collective effort, dedication, and vision of all those who systematically contributed to achieving this great success. I would like to express my warm thanks to the Municipality of Athens and the Mayor for their unwavering support and cooperation from the very beginning. The role of the Municipality of Athens will be crucial, as Athens will be the main venue for most of the events,” Stavrakakis said.
Eleni Zontirou, President of OPANDA (Organization of Culture, Sports and Youth of the Municipality of Athens), emphasized the commitment to inclusivity. “This assignment fills us with joy and pride. We are committed to offering an organization that will support inclusion, equality, accessibility, and respect for all athletes. The city is ready to welcome athletes and delegations from all over the world,” she noted.
Elena Mantzavinou, the Deputy Municipal Councillor for Accessibility, added, “This event is a global celebration of human strength and will. It is an opportunity to strengthen the dialogue around the rights of our deaf and hard-of-hearing fellow citizens, to ensure accessible infrastructure, and to transform the experience of sports into a universal good.”
Looking Ahead to 2029
With the countdown to 2029 now officially underway, Athens is set to embark on extensive preparations to host a successful and inclusive Deaflympics. The event is expected to bring significant attention to the city and further solidify its reputation as a capable host for major international gatherings.
The Summer Deaflympics are held every four years and are the longest-running multi-sport event after the Olympic Games. They provide a unique platform for deaf athletes to compete at an elite level, promoting sportsmanship, cultural exchange, and global understanding.
Further details regarding the venues, specific sports, and organizational committees are expected to be announced as the planning progresses towards the 2029 event.
Source: https://www.dnews.gr/eidhseis/ellada/560153/stin-athina-oi-therinoi-olympiakoi-agones-kofon-2029
