World Para Athletics
Gqeberha is gearing up for another major sporting event, which comes on the heels of this weekend's ISUZU IRONMAN African Championship on Sunday,
The city will also host this year’s Toyota South African Sports Association for Physically Disabled national championships for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Organisors say all eight sporting codes will be accommodated at various venues across the Metro Sunday to Tuesday 1 April.
Nelson Mandela University will host the track, para athletics, and cycling events, while Fairview Sports Centre will host the goalball and football events.
Boccia, a sport exclusively for athletes with physical disabilities, will be hosted at the university’s Missionvale campus. The powerlifters will be at Cape Recife High School, and Merryvale Special School will host the judo tournament.
The Newton Park swimming pool is where the next generation of para swimmers will vie for the gold medal.
SASAPD president Jean Miggels said they are looking forward to hosting the games.
“The games bring people from all spheres of life together. It not only provides an opportunity to witness excellence, but it also serves as a reminder of the resilience required to overcome obstacles.”
Seven African records and a world record were set at the previous games, which were held in Bloemfontein.
“Paralympic discus thrower Simone Kruger and silver medallist Collen Mahlalela are among the athletes to look out for,” says Miggels.
“As the next Paralympic cycle to 2028 begins, athletes will be looking for performances that show they are the ones to watch.”
“The importance of these championships over the past 63 years has established it as the place where dreams are planted, nurtured, and grown,” she added.
Miggels also encouraged the Gqeberha community to support the games.
