The 24th edition of the summer event, which was delayed from 2021 until this year because of coronavirus complications, is the first to take place in South America.

"Today we start writing a new chapter of the Deaflympic history," Perazzolo said in a speech at the Opening Ceremony.

"We can write this chapter because of your hosts - Brazilian people whom we thank wholeheartedly for welcoming us and our Games.

"We have first Deaflympics in South America!

"Our gratitude to the local Organising Committee, the public authorities, and the Brazilian Deaf Sports Federation. 

"Thank you for making this Deaflympics happen.

"Special thanks go to all the volunteers. 

"You make us feel home from the first moment."

Perazzolo went on to hail the "unifying power of the Deaflympics", with 66 nations competing in Brazil.

This includes Ukraine's delegation of 147 athletes.

Athletes from Russia and Belarus have been banned from the Deaflympics in response to the invasion of Ukraine.

Hosts Brazil have the biggest delegation, with 152 athletes due to compete.

More than 1,700 athletes are expected to take part in the Deaflympics in total.

"Over the next 14 days, you will compete with each other but not against each other for the highest price," Perazzolo told the athletes.

"At the same time, you will live peacefully together with no discrimination. 

"We are all equal regardless of what we look like, where we come from on what we believe in."

The ICSD also committed to establishing an Athletes' Commission to coincide with the Opening Ceremony.

As well as the parade of nations, a Deaflympic Flame was displayed at the Opening Ceremony.