Athens will host another major sporting event. With the full support of the Municipality of Athens and following the persistent and coordinated efforts of the Hellenic Deaf Sports Federation (EOAK), the 26th Summer Deaflympics 2029 will take place in the Greek capital.
Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, stated:
“The assignment of the Summer Deaflympics to Athens is a great honor for our city. It once again demonstrates the trust that the international sporting community places in us to organize major, high-level events. At the same time, it is a significant victory for inclusion and collaboration. Athens embraced this effort from the very beginning and stood alongside everyone who worked with dedication, persistence, and commitment. With this event, we send a strong message: sport is for everyone.”
In his letter of support for Athens official bid, the Mayor explicitly emphasized the citys commitment and confidence in successfully preparing and hosting the Games.
President of EOAK, Iosif Stavrakakis, commented:
“This international recognition reflects the collective effort, dedication, and vision of everyone who systematically contributed to this great achievement. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the Municipality of Athens and the Mayor for their unwavering support and cooperation from the start. The role of the Municipality will be crucial, as Athens will host most of the competitions.”
Chair of OPANDA, Eleni Zontirou, added:
“This assignment fills us with joy and pride. We are committed to delivering an event that promotes inclusion, equality, accessibility, and respect for all athletes. The city is ready to welcome athletes and delegations from around the world.”
Athens Councilor for Accessibility, Elena Mantzavinou, emphasized:
“This event is a global celebration of human strength and determination. It is an opportunity to advance dialogue on the rights of deaf and hard-of-hearing citizens, ensure accessible infrastructure, and make sports a universal experience.”
The Greek bid was presented at the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) meeting in Tokyo. In the subsequent vote, Athens narrowly defeated Zagreb, receiving 33 votes to 31.
With the countdown to 2029 underway, this decision marks a major milestone for Deaf sports in Greece and provides another opportunity for international visibility of the city.
