The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games were an awe-inspiring celebration of athleticism and resilience, and Africa’s athletes once again proved their mettle on the global stage.
Countries like Nigeria, South Africa, Tunisia, and Egypt brought home numerous medals, showing the world that Africa’s Paralympians are a force to be reckoned with. However, while the world celebrates their success, the hard truth remains: many African athletes, especially those with disabilities, succeed despite overwhelming odds, often receiving minimal support from their home countries.
Nigeria is often lauded for its dominance in sports like powerlifting, where athletes like Lucy Ejike and Bose Omolayo have become household names in Paralympic circles. Yet, behind the medals and accolades is a frustrating reality: Nigeria, like many African nations, does not adequately prioritize the development of sports for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Powerlifters like Ejike and Omolayo are champions not because of, but in spite of, the system. For years, Paralympic athletes in Nigeria have voiced concerns over inadequate training facilities, lack of financial support, and minimal investment in grassroots sports for PWDs. The majority of these athletes train under conditions that are far from ideal, with some even relying on personal funds or external sponsorships to get to international competitions. In contrast, able-bodied athletes often receive more recognition, funding, and better infrastructure, leaving Paralympians to fend for themselves.
One of the biggest challenges African nations face is the lack of inclusive sports policies that integrate PWDs from the grassroots to the elite level. In many African countries, including Nigeria, sports for PWDs are an afterthought, if considered at all. Most national sports planning focuses heavily on able-bodied athletes, with little to no mention of dedicated programs or facilities for Paralympic sports. When national sports budgets are drawn up, Paralympians often get a fraction of the resources allocated to their able-bodied counterparts. This systemic neglect is evident in the lack of Paralympic training centers, professional coaching staff specialized in disabilities, and even basic sports equipment that is adapted for PWDs.
The result is that many potential Paralympic champions either never get discovered or have to fight much harder to achieve success, often without the support structures they need.Africa’s success at the Paralympics highlights the continent’s vast potential in Paralympic sports, but this potential can only be fully realized if governments and sports bodies start to take PWDs into account when planning. It starts with grassroots investment. For many African athletes, the journey to becoming a Paralympian is far more difficult than it should be. There are few, if any, inclusive sports programs in schools for children with disabilities. This means that many young PWDs are denied the opportunity to discover their talents early on, a critical step in the development of any athlete.The introduction of disability sports programs at the community and school level is crucial.
Nigeria, for example, could benefit immensely from a more inclusive sports culture, where children with disabilities are given equal access to training, facilities, and competitions. Not only would this provide opportunities for PWDs to excel in sports, but it would also help challenge and change societal perceptions about disability. Beyond grassroots programs, African governments need to address the larger issue of accessibility.
In many African countries, public sports facilities are not designed to accommodate athletes with disabilities. Even national sports stadiums and training grounds often lack basic accessibility features such as ramps, adapted locker rooms, or equipment for PWDs. How can a nation expect to produce world-class Paralympians when they can’t even access training facilities?
Furthermore, there needs to be greater representation of PWDs in sports administration. Many of the issues facing Paralympic athletes stem from a lack of understanding and consideration of their needs within sports ministries and federations. By including more PWDs in decision-making roles, governments can ensure that the voices of athletes with disabilities are heard and their needs addressed.
The Paris 2024 Paralympics were a shining moment for African athletes, but they also served as a reminder that much more needs to be done. African nations, especially Nigeria, cannot continue to rely on the natural talent and determination of their Paralympic athletes while offering minimal support. These athletes have shown that they have the potential to compete at the highest levels, but their success should not come at the cost of struggling through a broken system.
Investing in Paralympic sports is not just a matter of medals; it’s about creating a more inclusive and equal society. When governments provide equal opportunities for PWDs in sports, they send a powerful message—that everyone, regardless of ability, deserves a chance to pursue their dreams.
It’s time for Africa to take its place as a true Paralympic powerhouse, not only in terms of athletic success but in the way it supports and nurtures athletes with disabilities. The Paris 2024 games may have ended, but the work to build a better future for African Paralympians has only just begun.
