Opening Ceremony Deaflympics 2017

Samsun 2017 - Opening Ceremony
Samsun 2017 - Opening Ceremony
Samsun 2017 - Opening Ceremony
Samsun 2017 - Opening Ceremony
Samsun 2017 - Opening Ceremony

The 23rd Summer Deaflympics, which brought together 97 different countries from six continents, 3 thousand 148 athletes, and over 5,000 participants, began with an opening ceremony that was magnificent and worthy of its size.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım, with the messages they sent, wish success to all athletes who will compete in the 23rd Summer Deaflympics.

Samsun Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Yusuf Ziya Yılmaz reminded that Deaflympics 2017 is a great opportunity to send messages of peace throughout the world through sports.

Governor of Samsun, Osman Kaymak who expressed that they have experienced one of the most important days of Turkey and Samsun's history said: "We are going to show that we can host the Summer Olympic Games perfectly by organizing the Deaflympics in the best way."

The IOC Delegate Sam Ramsamy gave a speech on behalf of The International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach. Bach, in the speech text, said that ICSD gives all its support to spread sports all over the world and is an important member of the Olympic family.

ICSD President Mr. Valery Rukhledev emphasized that Deaflympics, held for the first time in 1924, is the second oldest international competition in history. He reiterated that they saw Turkey as a very powerful country in the preparation process to the Games and that Turkey should be an example to the world.

Youth and Sports Minister Mr. Akif Çağatay Kılıç greeted all guests and stated: "23rd Summer Deaflympics will be a very exciting experience for beautiful Samsun, my hometown".