This archive report was first published on 13 September 2021.
On September 13, 2021, the inaugural Africa Deaflympics Ball Games Qualifiers officially opened at Kasarani's Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, in a spectacular ceremony.
Delegations of athletes from 11 nations, including Kenya, Egypt, Libya, Senegal, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Mali, Ghana, Somaliland, and Zanzibar, marched triumphantly into the stadium, waving flags and palms in their traditional deaf culture.
The ceremony featured a magnificently choreographed spectacle from the host country, Kenya, celebrating the country's art and traditions. The Nubian Gold quartet of ladies sang Swahili versions of both anthems of Kenya and the East African Community.
However, the Kasarani fanfare and celebration took place in a virtually empty stadium, adhering to the Ministry of Health's Covid-19 guidelines, which restrict spectators from attending sporting events.
International Community of Sports for the Deaf CEO Rebrow Dmitry, Principal Secretary State Department of Sports Joe Okudo, and Confederation of Africa Deaf Sports President Mohamed Modoun were among the dignitaries in attendance.
The Games kicked off on Saturday with the Kenya deaf football team losing 3-1 to Senegal in its opening Group A match. Egypt's football team walloped Somaliland 10-1 on Sunday, both matches played at Kasarani Stadium.
The Africa Ball Games Qualifiers in Nairobi are being used as a yardstick to select qualifiers for the 2022 Summer Deaflympics in Brazil.
