Today, we honour the courage of the young people who shaped our history and celebrate every young para-athlete shaping our future. Keep dreaming. Keep competing. Keep rising. The youth of South Africa are the Birthplace of Dreams. 💙💛

At the recent SASCOC General Meeting, President Barry Hendricks and CEO Nozipho Jaftha shared exciting updates. With LA 2028 ahead, SASCOC is driving podium ambitions with para-athletes as part of the push. South Africa is also pursuing the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Seven years strong with Toyota South Africa! Since 2019, Toyota has helped make the SASAPD Nationals a highlight of the para sport calendar. Toyota proves that mobility goes beyond sport through Quantum bus donations, thank you for helping drive dreams forward. 🚗

The Kwenejejani Trophy 🏆 was awarded at the 2026 Toyota SASAPD Nationals to Muya Koloko, our national goalball convenor. Under Muya’s leadership, goalball has flourished. From launching online training for officials, to creating a coaches' course with Goalball UK.

At the 2026 Toyota SASAPD Nationals, the President’s Award went to Marali Olen, an exceptional classifier serving at provincial, national, and international levels. 🏅 As Head of Classification for World Boccia, Marali ensures fairness for athletes everywhere.

The East to West Trophy was awarded at the 2026 Toyota SASAPD Nationals to Gauteng’s Ilze Richter, honouring her outstanding service as a classifier. Classification is the backbone of fair para sport, and Ilze’s commitment has been exemplary at every level.

At the 2026 Toyota SASAPD Nationals opening, we named Paralympian Fanie van der Merwe as the Jeanne Visser Trophy winner! 🏆 Double gold medallist in the men’s 100m T37 (Beijing 2008 & London 2012), Fanie has spent the last decade coaching and mentoring young para-athletes.

At the 2026 Toyota SASAPD Nationals, we honoured two Western Cape legends of parasport. Robbie Doidge was celebrated for 45 years of service and Danny Damon was recognised for 10 years of unwavering dedication across the federation. Robbie and Danny, thank you. 🙏

As the autumn training series ends, remember: the injury you prevent is the training you don’t lose. Cool down properly, know the difference between pain and discomfort, check your equipment, and keep communicating with your coach. Stay healthy and stay in the game.

Africa Day celebrates unity and resilience. At SASAPD, we’re proud members of World Ability sport, driving para sport across Africa, breaking barriers and building inclusive communities from Cape Town to Cairo.

Our NEC met at Town Lodge OR Tambo to drive implementation of the SASAPD Strategic Plan 2032 — six pillars, one mission. 💛 🏅 Jean Miggels | President 🥈 Michael Louwrens | Vice President 📋 Jan Wahl | National Manager & High Performance 🌍 Reinet Barnard | Transformation & Development 🎯 Teresa Visser | National Sport Executive 🌟 Samkelo Radebe | Sport Ambassador 💰 Laurence van Heerden | Treasurer 🖥️ David van der Merwe | Office Administrator From Stellenbosch to the Paralympic podium — the work continues. 💪 The Birthplace of Dreams. #SASAPD #BirthplaceOfDreams #ParaSport #StrategicPlan2032

SASAPD has shaped disability sport in South Africa for over 60 years, making it one of Africa’s longest-standing para sport federations. Across eight codes, we build pathways from grassroots to elite international level, creating opportunity and celebrating ability.

Today we celebrate the incredible mothers at the heart of the SASAPD family. Thank you for your strength, sacrifice and unwavering support, your love inspires and uplifts every athlete. Happy Mother’s Day. You are truly appreciated.

Thank you to Minister @GaytonMcK for his support at the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Toyota SASAPD National Championships in Stellenbosch. His presence, and the R10 million boost, reinforces para sport’s place at the heart of South Africa’s sporting future.

Cooler days can make it tempting to ease off, but this is when it matters most. Stay consistent with your routine, set a clear 8-week goal, prioritise recovery and keep some outdoor training. The natural light supports your energy and sleep. Stay strong and keep going.

Autumn training calls for a smarter approach. Take extra time to warm up, stay hydrated even when you don’t feel thirsty, layer up as temperatures drop and prioritise mobility to reduce stiffness and injury risk. Train smart, protect your body, and stay consistent.

Huge congratulations to Liezel Gouws for setting a new African record in the T37 long jump, Simoné Kruger for her African record in the T38 shot put, and Puseletso Mabote for his incredible world record in the T63 400m.

Today, on Workers’ Day, we honour those who tirelessly grow Para Sport in South Africa. From coaches and classifiers to administrators and volunteers, your dedication builds the platforms, pathways and opportunities our athletes deserve. Thank you!

Here's to the supporters. Without you, it just wouldn't be the same. Thank you for the claps, the cheers, the screams and for making every moment feel extra special. Tag your number one supporter in the comments to show them some love.

Happy #FreedomDay, South Africa. Together, we celebrate a nation where inclusion is the true measure of freedom. #FreedomDay #ParaSport #InclusiveCommunities #SASAPD