
Everything You Need to Know
Answers to the most common questions about SASAPD, para sport, classification, eligibility and getting involved.
General Questions
SASAPD stands for the South African Sports Association for Physically Disabled. We govern para-sports in South Africa. SASAPD is a member of SASCOC and is officially recognised as the custodian for Physically Disabled Sport in South Africa.
Para-sports are competitive and recreational sports designed for athletes with disabilities, including physical, visual, and intellectual impairments.
Para-sports have structured classifications and rules for competition, while adaptive sports focus on recreational participation.
Athletics, Boccia, Goalball, Judo for the Blind, Powerlifting, Para Cycling, CP Football, and Swimming.
Contact SASAPD or your provincial sport convenor via the contact page.
Sports-Specific Questions
Sprints, middle-distance, long-distance, shot put, discus, javelin, and long jump.
Yes, athletes are classified based on the impact of their disability on performance.
Yes, they compete with the assistance of a sighted guide.
Boccia is a precision ball sport for athletes with severe physical impairments.
It is specifically for athletes with cerebral palsy and other severe motor impairments.
Goalball is a team sport for visually impaired athletes played with a ball that emits sound.
Judo for the Blind is an adapted martial art where visually impaired athletes use touch to engage with their opponents.
Para Powerlifting focuses on the bench press, allowing athletes with impairments affecting their lower limbs to compete by lifting the heaviest weight.
Para Cycling includes road and track cycling events for athletes with physical or visual impairments.
Athletes may use tandem bikes, handcycles, or standard bikes with adaptations.
CP Football is an adapted version of soccer for athletes with cerebral palsy or similar neurological conditions.
Classification Questions
Classification ensures fair competition by grouping athletes based on the impact of their disability on sport performance.
SASAPD-certified classifiers conduct evaluations across sports to ensure fairness.
Reclassification depends on changes in an athlete's condition or updates to classification rules.
Athletes must provide medical evidence and undergo functional testing as part of the classification process.
Getting Involved
Visit the volunteer page to sign up.
Yes, SASAPD provides orientation and role-specific training for volunteers.
Yes, SASAPD conducts orientation workshops for newly appointed members and officials.
We are open to sponsors at a national and provincial level, and can arrange sponsorships per sport code. We ensure a meaningful return on investment for our sponsors. Reach out to us at online@sasapd.org.za for more information.
An official supplier provides goods or services directly to SASAPD to support our operations, events, and athletes. These contributions are vital to ensuring the smooth functioning of our sport activities.
An official partner collaborates with SASAPD to support our mission through financial backing, resources, or services. Partnerships are typically long-term and involve mutual benefits, including branding and visibility opportunities.
Yes, SASAPD is a registered Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) committed to promoting and developing para-sports in South Africa.
