Johannesburg – The 2025 Toyota SASAPD National Championships are set to make a triumphant return to Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, marking the first full-scale edition in the city since the Covid-restricted Games of 2021. From 29 March to 1 April, the Friendly City will welcome South Africa’s top para-athletes as they compete across eight sporting codes, each vying for national honours in an event that has become synonymous with excellence and resilience.
A Landmark Event in the Para-Sport Calendar
The heart of the Games will beat strongest at Nelson Mandela University’s (NMU) Summerstrand campus, where para-athletics and para-cycling (track) will unfold. Fairview Sports Centre will host Goalball and CP football, while NMU-Missionvale will stage Boccia, a sport that saw South Africa celebrate its first-ever Paralympians at the Paris 2024 Games.
Other key venues include Cape Recife High School, where powerlifting will take centre stage, and Merryvale Special School, which will host para-judo. The latter event will see South Africa’s first-ever Paralympian in the sport, Ndyebo Lamani, compete on home soil. Meanwhile, the Newton Park swimming pool will showcase the country’s rising stars in para-swimming.
An International Stage for Excellence
The Toyota SASAPD National Championships have long been a prestigious platform for para-athletes in South Africa and beyond. This year’s event will once again attract competitors from neighbouring SADC nations, with Lesotho confirming its participation. The Championships provide a critical opportunity for athletes to test their mettle, with performances serving as stepping stones toward the LA 2028 Paralympic Games.
SASAPD President Jean Miggels, who hails from the Eastern Cape, expressed her excitement: “We are looking forward to seeing you in the friendly and windy city for the 2025 Toyota SASAPD National Championships. The national championships bring people from all spheres of life together. It not only provides an opportunity to witness excellence, but it also serves as a reminder of the resilience required to overcome obstacles.”
Toyota’s Commitment to Inclusive Mobility
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has been a steadfast partner of the SASAPD National Championships for eight years, reinforcing its dedication to diversity and inclusion. Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing at TSAM, reiterated the company’s vision: “At Toyota South Africa, we remain committed to empowering the para-sports community. We are therefore proud to be a long-standing sponsor of the SASAPD National Championships. As we transition towards a future centered on people, our ongoing support of SASAPD aligns with our strategic intent to become a mobility company that drives diversity and inclusion across the board.”
Stars to Watch and Records to Break
The previous edition of the Championships in Bloemfontein saw seven African records and a world record shattered. This year, eyes will be on Paralympic and world champion discus thrower Simone Kruger and Paralympic silver medallist Collen Mahlalela, both of whom have shown exceptional early-season form. As the next Paralympic cycle begins, athletes will be eager to prove they are the “ones to watch” on the road to LA 2028.
A Community Affair – Free Entry for Spectators
The excitement will kick off with the opening ceremony at the Feather Market Centre on 29 March at 18h00. Spectators are encouraged to attend the competitions, which are free of charge, at the various venues. Miggels added: “We encourage the community to support and attend this event and be part of this incredible experience. This is a rare opportunity to witness history in the making and support South Africa’s para-athletes as they push boundaries and achieve greatness.”
A Collaborative Effort
The 2025 SASAPD National Championships would not be possible without the support of key partners, including the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture; the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture; Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality; Nelson Mandela University; and Coca-Cola.
Media Accreditation and Further Information
Media representatives interested in covering the event must complete the Media Registration Form attached.
For more information on the SASAPD National Championships, visit: https://sasapd.org.za/toyota-sasapd-national-championships/.
For details on Toyota’s brand partnerships, visit: Toyota Community Sponsorships | Toyota South Africa.
