By: Emmanuel Anyigba
AFRICA’s Paralympic community is uniting ahead of the 22nd International Paralympic Committee (IPC) General Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, determined to play a stronger role in shaping the global para sport agenda.
The crucial elections for the IPC Governing Board will take place on Saturday, 27 September 2025, marking a key moment that could influence the future direction of the Paralympic movement worldwide.
Africa’s Voice, Africa’s Vision:
Ahead of the elections, the African Paralympic Committee (AfPC), under the leadership of its President, Samson Deen, will host a virtual engagement session on Tuesday, 16 September 2025.
This session will provide an unprecedented opportunity for African National Paralympic Committees (NPCs), the media, and sports stakeholders to directly engage with the two confirmed candidates for IPC President – Bae Dong Hyun and Andrew Parsons.
President Deen will anchor the dialogue, ensuring that the questions raised reflect the continent’s urgent needs and aspirations.
“Africa will support a leader that speaks our language and delivers on promises that uplift our region,” Deen emphasized. “We will fact-check every commitment because the future of African para athletes depends on it.”
A Call for Inclusion and Practical Support:
For too long, African athletes have been forced to travel thousands of miles to Europe, Asia, and the Americas in order to qualify for international competitions, often at enormous financial cost.
The AfPC and its member committees are now calling for programs that:
• Expand qualification opportunities within Africa, reducing the need for costly travel.
• Build inclusive systems that empower athletes with disabilities across all regions of the continent.
• Strengthen regional competitions, ensuring African athletes can showcase their talent on home soil.
Deen stressed that African governments, NPCs, and stakeholders are not asking for charity but for fairness, partnership, and recognition. “Unity and inclusion are not optional, they are the foundation of a stronger Paralympic Movement. Africa is ready to do its part, but we need leaders who believe in our potential,” he said.
African Conference in Seoul:
In the final hours before the election, President Deen will convene an African Conference in Seoul on 26 September 2025, the eve of the IPC Congress. This strategic meeting will ensure that the African bloc goes into the vote aligned, informed, and united in purpose.
One Continent, One Voice:
As Africa prepares for these decisive moments, the message from the AfPC is clear: the continent seeks a future where para athletes can dream, train, and succeed without barriers of geography, cost, or exclusion.
By demanding accountability and supporting leaders who share this vision, Africa is stepping forward with confidence, courage, and unity.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
