The South African Sports Association for the Physically Disabled (SASAPD) is the premier organization responsible for advancing disability sport in South Africa. Established with the vision of creating equal opportunities for athletes with physical and visual impairments, SASAPD has grown to become the leading custodian of para-sports in the country. Our mission is to empower athletes at all levels—grassroots to elite—to fulfill their sporting potential and represent South Africa on the world stage.

Our Role and Impact

SASAPD plays a pivotal role in the development and success of para-sports through:

• Athlete Classification: As the only approved organization for athlete classification in South Africa, we ensure fair and equal competition in alignment with international standards.
• Identifying and Developing Talent: From junior to senior levels, SASAPD actively identifies, nurtures, and supports the development of future Paralympians.
• World-Class Competitors: Over the years, SASAPD has delivered multiple Paralympic and World Champions, showcasing South Africa’s talent and dedication to excellence.

Our Mission

At SASAPD, we are committed to:

• Promoting sports participation across all provinces to create opportunities for athletes of all ages and abilities.
• Supporting athletes in achieving their full potential through participation in provincial, national, and international competitions.
• Ensuring fair competition through our internationally accredited classification system.
• Contributing to education and training activities that enhance professionalism in disability sport management.

Our Flagship Event: The Annual National Championships

The Annual National Championships is the highlight of our calendar, bringing together para-athletes from across South Africa and neighboring countries. This prestigious event provides a platform for athletes to compete against their peers, set new records, and qualify for international competitions. Nations like Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Namibia regularly participate, with growing interest from other African countries such as Kenya and Mozambique.

Collaboration and Partnership

SASAPD actively supports the development of para-sports across Southern Africa. Our pool of internationally qualified classifiers and adherence to International Paralympic Committee standards ensure high-quality competitions. While we are not seeking sponsorships, we invite partnerships to collaboratively develop Paralympians and strengthen the para-sport community as we look toward future Paralympic Games.

A Legacy of Excellence

With decades of experience and countless achievements, SASAPD continues to lead the way in disability sport. From delivering Paralympic champions to fostering inclusivity and innovation, we are proud to be at the forefront of South Africa’s para-sport movement.

Join us in creating a future where every athlete can achieve their dreams, regardless of physical or visual impairments. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive sporting community.

Our History

SASAPD was founded in 1962 as the South African Paraplegic Games Association, catering exclusively to athletes with spinal cord injuries. In 1976, it expanded to include other disability groups such as amputees, cerebral palsy, and visual impairments, becoming the South African Sports Association for Physically Disabled (SASAPD).

In 1994, the National Paralympic Committee of South Africa (NAPCOSA) unified SASAPD with other disability sports organizations to streamline operations. By 2001, Disability Sport South Africa (DISSA) replaced NAPCOSA, focusing on elite athlete preparation, talent identification, and development.

With the establishment of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) in 2005, high-performance functions transitioned to SASCOC, while SASAPD retained its role in mass participation and development. Today, SASAPD supports nine sporting codes and five disability groups, promoting collaboration with national and international federations to ensure athletes achieve their full potential.