Athletes remain at the heart of the 2026 Toyota SASAPD National Championships, with the event set to bring together competitors from across South Africa to perform, compete and progress within the national Para sport system.
The championships will see hundreds of athletes representing all nine provinces compete across eight sport codes, creating a national platform that reflects both the depth of talent and the diversity of Para sport in the country.
The strength of the athlete field is highlighted by a mix of established international performers and emerging talent. Among the athletes to watch are Mpumalanga’s Pieter Cornelius Otto, Gauteng’s Arno Jurgens Graaff and teammate Sibusiso Manabela, while world champions Puseletso Mabote and Simone Kruger are also expected to feature strongly.
In addition to those identified as athletes to watch, the championships will also see participation from leading Paralympians such as Kerwin Noemdo and Paul Daniels, who continue to train and compete at the highest level.
The event also draws on a rich history of South African Para athletics, with Coetzenburg Athletics Stadium having previously served as a training base for some of the country’s most celebrated athletes, including Fanie van der Merwe, Anrune Liebenberg, Ilse Hayes, Dyan Buis and Zanele Situ.
Beyond the individual names, the championships remain a critical platform for athlete development. For many participants, this event represents an opportunity to measure performance, gain competitive experience and position themselves for future international selection.
SASAPD President Jean Miggels reinforced the importance of the athlete pathway, noting that the championships are about more than results.
“These Championships represent far more than medals and podium finishes. They are a platform of opportunity — a stage where dreams are ignited, talent is discovered, and futures are shaped. For many athletes, this is the gateway to international competition and ultimately the Paralympic Games.”
Recent international exposure has also contributed to athlete readiness, with a group of South African swimmers returning from the Namibian National Championships having gained valuable competition experience ahead of the event.
As the championships take place in Stellenbosch, the focus remains firmly on the athletes — providing them with the structure, environment and opportunity to perform at their best while continuing their journey within the South African Para sport pathway.
