The Winter Deaflympics are a truly significant celebration of international sport, and it is a great honour to welcome them back to Austria after so many years.

Austria has everything it takes to provide an exceptional stage for these Games: outstanding sporting infrastructure, extensive organisational experience and a strong commitment to hosting events with professionalism, hospitality and respect for our environment and climate. We want athletes, teams and guests from around the world to feel not only well supported, but genuinely welcome.

For our Austrian athletes, these Games will be particularly special. Competing on home soil, surrounded by family, friends and an enthusiastic home crowd, creates moments that remain unforgettable long after the final competition.

The Deaflympics also carry a message that reaches far beyond sport. Sport belongs to everyone. It gives people strength, confidence and a sense of belonging. It brings us together across borders and differences, and it allows outstanding achievements to receive the recognition and visibility they deserve.

I am very much looking forward to inspiring competitions, memorable encounters, so that Winter Deaflympics that will leave a lasting impression in Austria and far beyond.