Opening Ceremony - ICSD President's speech

Dear athletes, representatives of delegations, guests, and deaf community who watch us live around the world.

Dear Deaflympic family, Good evening and Welcome to the 24th Summer Deaflympics.

Today we start writing a new chapter of the Deaflympic History!

We can write this chapter because of your hosts - Brazilian people whom we thank wholeheartedly for welcoming us and our Games.

We have first Deaflympics in South America!

Our gratitude to the local organizing committee, the Public Authorities, and the Brazilian Deaf Sports Federation. Thank you for making this Deaflympics happen.

Especial thanks go to all the volunteers. You make us feel home from the first moment. Thank you, volunteers!

Dear fellow deaflympians, After all outcoming efforts for preparing for these Games, the stage is yours. You have arrived here after overcoming challenges, living through uncertainties. As a former athlete, I know your preparation for these games has not been easy especially due to the global pandemic.

But now your moment has come and your dream is coming true. Over the next 14 days, you will compete with each other but not against each other for the highest price. At the same time, you will live peacefully together with no discrimination. We are all equal regardless of what we look like, where we come from on what we believe in.

The unifying power of the Deaflympics is stronger than the forces that want to divide us. Through sport, we will demonstrate the best of humanity and highlight the value of the deaf sport.

Today, ICSD is proud to announce the creation of the Athletes Commission. Athletes’ voices are essential for the ICSD. Athletes stand at the heart of the Deaflympics Movement. I encourage all athletes to vote for first ever athlete commission candidates.

We have beautiful motto: Equality through Sport!

Dear athletes, we are standing with you, we all are supporting you. Celebrate the spirit of sport, be proud of yourself, have fun, and play fair.

I wish you all the best of luck.

Gustavo Perazzolo,

ICSD President