The International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) has selected Athens to host the 26th Summer Olympic Games for the Deaf (Deaflympics) in 2029.
The Greek capital prevailed over Zagreb, Croatia – the only other country that expressed interest in hosting the event. Of 68 ICSD member states, 64 participated in the vote, while Athens secured the hosting rights with 33 votes, narrowly defeating Zagreb’s 31 votes.
Prior to the final decision, Athens had hosted the ICSD team for inspections of the proposed sporting facilities, to confirm the Greek capital’s commitment and readiness to make this high-calibre sporting event a reality.
Reacting to the decision, Athens Mayor Haris Doukas called it a “great victory of inclusion and cooperation” that “proves the trust shown by the international athletic community in organizing high-level major events in Athens.”
Iosif Stavrakakis, President of the Hellenic Sports Federation of the Deaf, announced that the majority of the competitive events will take place in sports facilities situated within Athens.
The hosting of the 2029 Deaflympics is considered a significant opportunity to strengthen the dialogue in Greece surrounding the rights of Deaf and hard-of-hearing citizens and ensure accessible infrastructure in the Greek capital.
Cover Photo Credit: European Deaf Sport Organisation
