Pomp and colour marked the opening ceremony of the inaugural Africa Deaflympics Ball Games Qualifiers at the Kasarani Stadium.

Delegations of athletes from 11 nations decked out in sporting attire representing their countries and marched triumphantly into the Stadium’s tartan track waving flags and palms in their traditional deaf culture.

A magnificently choreographed spectacle from the host country, Kenya also electrified the occasion to celebrate the country’s art and traditions.

But Kasarani fanfare and celebration happened in a virtually empty stadium in line with the Ministry of Health Covid-19 guidelines which restrict spectators from attending sporting events.

Inspire, celebrate deaf sports

Monday’s Ceremony started with the Nubian Gold quartet of ladies who sang Swahili versions of both anthems of Kenya and the East African Community.

Away from the sporting facet, the Games are being used to inspire and celebrate deaf sports personalities in Kenya and around the continent of Africa by creating an enabling environment to its best ball games’ athletes coming together.

The program for the Ceremony also featured acrobatic shows, tap dancing and drumming by Machakos Secondary School For the Deaf with a wonderful Kamba dance known as “Kilume”.

The acrobats and drummers, mostly drawn from deaf fraternity, culminated their performances with a joint “Jerusalema Challenge”.

Reflection of passion

The occasion ended with a fireworks spectacle.

“I would like to acknowledge the presence of participating countries at this Games which is a reflection of your support and passion towards the Deaf Games,” Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed said as she conveyed greetings from President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“I wish to also thank your governments for continuing to support this initiative in Africa to allow deaf people achieve their potential in elite sport.”

Gordon Oluoch, Chairman of the LOC, extended gratitude to the respective governments of the participating teams for making it possible for the teams to travel to Kenya for the inaugural Games.

“As members of the LOC, with the support of the Ministry of Sports and the Government of Kenya, we have worked together tirelessly to ensure the success of the Games. I am convinced that this momentous occasion in Nairobi will form a strong bond among the deaf fraternity in the continent that will last for many years to come,” said Oluoch, a former Sports Commissioner.

The countries present in Nairobi for the Games are Somaliland, Egypt, Libya, Senegal, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Mali, Ghana, Kenya and Zanzibar.

The Games kicked off on Saturday with the Kenya deaf football team losing 3-1 to Senegal in its opening Group A match.

On Sunday, Egypt’s football team walloped Somaliland 10-1 at the Kasarani Stadium.

Egypt will lock horns with Gabon on Tuesday, while Ghana and Libya. Other matches of the day will involve Mali and Senegal as well as Nigeria versus Zambia.

The Africa Ball Games Qualifiers in Nairobi are being used to select qualifiers for the 2022 Summer Deaflympics in Brazil.

AGENCIES