With the Paralympic Games around the corner, the spotlight is on our continent, with sights set on many para-athletes returning home from Paris as Paralympic Champions! And Team South Africa is part of the countries setting the pace:
Global (20 August 2024)—If the African tone set at the just-ended Paris 2024 Olympics Games is anything to go by, then it makes sense to suggest that Africa’s over 200 para-athletes will not just be participants at the Games but serious contenders boasting chances to return home as Paralympic Champions.
Samson Deen, President of the African Paralympic Committee, provides more insight into our continent’s prospects.
Following in the Footsteps of Countries Like South Africa
“To improve on our gold medals, we need countries like Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Mali to emulate Egypt, Algeria, South Africa, Nigeria, and Morocco’s success in Tokyo,” says Samson.
“These five countries earned 20 gold medals in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games for Africa, underscoring our quality to upset the odds in Paris.”
“We’re confident our athletes will represent Africa with honor and pride,” Samson adds as the Committee close in on final preparations ahead of the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
“Africa’s potential is unstoppable. We’re dedicated to showcasing its greatness through the unwavering can-do spirit of our remarkable pare-athletes.”
Inspiration Aplenty
Success stories for Africa at the Paris Olympics were giant-slaying strides. From South Africa earning 6 medals across disciplines (including the first Olympic mountain bike medal for Africa thanks to Alan Hatherly) to Botswana’s Laetrile Tebogo becoming the first African runner to win the 200m final at the Olympic Games, many moments were impressive firsts and tone-setters.
On top of these achievements, the South Sudan Men and Nigeria Women Basketball Teams have also showcased their talent in unique ways with historic runs will forever be referenced.
And, Uganda’s Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei who is no stranger to smashing world records completed 10,000m exploit at Paris in another nod to the proud moments from our continent.
Says Samson of these great moments in relation to future Paralympic Champions:
“We are witnesses to how Tebogo, Joshua Cheptegei, and others have admirably carried on the African legacy in the ongoing competition.” “Undoubtedly, the African para-sports world eagerly awaits its turn.”
“Our para-athletes, like Pieter Du Preez, Fatima Ezzahra El Idrissi, and Zinabu Issah, and many others are trailblazers. With the right motivation and character, we can produce more world champions.”
A Push for Government Support
“Governments supporting Para-Sports initiatives are building a nation,” Samson adds.
“The success of the first African Para Games marks a significant milestone in our efforts to rally support and draw attention to disability sport on the continent…Governments must take the lead in this initiative. It’s a process, and we’re making progress.”
The President of the African Paralympic Committee encourages:
“Building a nation on inclusivity creates a foundation for equality, diversity, and prosperity.”
The Paris Paralympics will take off on 28 August until 8 September.
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