1. Where do I buy my ticket to the Paralympics?

No one buys a ticket to represent their country at the quadrennial showpiece. Athletes qualify to represent their country at major championships by competing in qualifying events. If you aspire to be an ambassador of South Africa and Para-sport, contact the sport convenor for your sport of interest to find out about the next regional competition.

2. Who do I contact to get involved in sport for the physically disabled?

Contact the National Office or Provincial Offices. Specific sport convenor contact details are available on the sasapd.org.za website. Under the “About” tab, navigate to “Sport codes” and select your sport of interest. Details are listed at the bottom of the page for each sport.

You can also contact the National Office via email at admin@sasapd.org.za.

3. What does SASAPD do?

SASAPD is the leading sport federation for individuals with physical disabilities in South Africa. The organization is professional and well-structured, addressing the sporting needs of physically disabled and visually impaired athletes. SASAPD offers development opportunities in the following sport codes:

• Athletics
• Boccia
• Goalball
• VI Judo
• Powerlifting
• Junior Cycling
• Football 7-a-side
• Swimming

4. Who do I contact if I do not agree with a result or want to lodge a complaint?

Please contact the national office at admin@sasapd.org.za.

5. What disabilities does SASAPD cater for?

SASAPD caters to a variety of disabilities through classification to ensure fair competition. Eligible impairment types include:

• Impaired muscle power
• Impaired passive range of movement
• Limb deficiency
• Leg length difference
• Short stature
• Hypertonia
• Ataxia
• Athetosis
• Visual impairment

6. What age groups does SASAPD cater for?

SASAPD offers opportunities for juniors to seniors across various sports. Age categories vary by sport, with detailed rules available on the website. For example:

• Para Athletics: U/14, U/17, U/20, and Open.
• Para Swimming: From 8 years old to seniors aged 18+.
• Para Powerlifting: Juniors start at 14; seniors from 21 years.
• VI Judo: Children start at age 6, with competitions from age 9.
• Goalball: Schools (15–19), juniors (15–20), seniors (21+).
• Football 7-a-side: Development from 10 years; competition from 14 years.

7. Are the codes offered only for individual participation or team codes too?

SASAPD offers both individual and team sports to suit a variety of preferences. Visit the “Sport codes” tab under the “About” section on the website for details on each sport.