The opening ceremony of the European Judo Championship for deaf athletes has been held at Baku Sports Palace.
Fanat.az reports that the ceremony began with the national anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan. For the first time, the national anthem was also performed in sign language.
Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov, European Deaf Sport Organisation (EDSO) President Iosif Stavrakakis and Anar Bayramov, Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan Deaflympic Committee, then delivered speeches.
The speeches highlighted the importance of the competition and the measures being taken in Azerbaijan to integrate people with disabilities into society and increase their social participation through sport. The participants were also wished success.
In his speech, Anar Bayramov said the Deaflympic movement in Azerbaijan had entered a new stage of development, with significant achievements made in a short period. He noted that the silver medal won at the most recent Deaflympic Games in Japan was also an important source of motivation for other young athletes.
Anar Bayramov then declared open the European Judo Championship for deaf athletes, which is being held in Azerbaijan for the first time.
A video tracing the development of the Deaflympic movement from its beginnings to the present day was screened during the event.
The opening ceremony continued with an artistic programme.
This article was translated from Azerbaijani with the help of AI. Original in Azerbaijani
