The schools are the Jamasi, Bechem, Cape Coast, Koforidua, Adjei Kojo, Savelugu, Gbeogo, Hohoe, Sekondi, Wa, Kibi and Mampong Schools for the Deaf.

Minister of Education and Sports Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo, in a speech read for him, advised the participants not to see their condition as a barrier to the realisation of their potentials in life.

He said that everyone had a shortcoming but that could be overcome with perseverance and commitment, adding that, "For every dark cloud, there is a silver lining".

He recalled the exploits of the country's physically challenged athletes who won a number of medals during the "All Africa Games" at Abuja in Nigeria in 2003 and said with determination they could achieve a lot for themselves and the country.

Mr Osafo-Maafo said the government was totally committed to pursuing a policy that would safeguard the fundamental rights of all members of the society irrespective of the individual's physical or mental state.

In the opening football match, Wa School for the Deaf beat their counterparts from the Adjei Kojo School 3-2 on penalties after a goalless drawn during regulation time.

The officials of the festival said that each soccer match must produce a winner even at the group stage.