President Ma Ying-jeou attended the opening ceremonies of the 2009 Summer Deaflympics in Taipei on the evening of September 5. As president of the host nation, President Ma welcomed athletes from throughout the world and declared the Deaflympics open.
President Ma first arrived at the Taipei Track & Field Stadium and watched a dazzling opening ceremonies performance. The Deaflympics flag was then brought into the stadium and hoisted. A prayer for Taiwan was recited, followed by the parade of athletes from countries participating and then the handover of the Deaflympics flag. Next, Taipei City Mayor Hau Lung-bin, Chinese Taipei Sports Association of the Deaf Chairman Chen Chi-ho, and International Committee of Sports for the Deaf President Donalda Ammons each delivered brief remarks. Ms. Ammons then introduced President Ma to the crowd.
President Ma first used international sign language, then Chinese and English to announce the opening of the event. "I now declare open the 21st Summer Deaflympics of Taipei," he said, thereby raising the curtain on this athletic gathering in Taipei.