2024 Paralympic Games: Africa's challenges

39 countries represented and a total of 305 athletes, this is the African contingent present in Paris for the 2024 Paralympic Games, the opening ceremony of which will be held on August 28. A figure three times lower than the nearly 1,000 athletes who were present in the French capital a few weeks earlier and down compared to Tokyo 2021. Figures that highlight the work that still remains to be done by the continent's states in relation to disabled sports as well as the considerable challenges faced by African para-athletes.

A symbol of hope, but a path strewn with pitfalls

Because for the vast majority of African para-athletes, participating in the Paralympic Games is an accomplishment in itself, a symbol of hope and resilience. These athletes often have to overcome obstacles that go well beyond sporting competition. Indeed, the lack of suitable infrastructure, adequate funding, and little institutional support are all obstacles to the development of their performances.

Poor accessibility to specialized equipment, lack of appropriate training for coaches, and insufficient social recognition for people with disabilities are all factors that limit the growth of Paralympic sport in Africa. These difficulties are exacerbated by limited media visibility, which limits public enthusiasm and sponsor support. In countries where physical disability often has significant social repercussions, being a para-athlete is an obstacle course.

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But despite these challenges, there are bright spots and the African continent is beginning to show increased ambition. Several countries, such as Tunisia, South Africa and Kenya are investing more in Paralympic sport, aware of the importance of supporting these athletes who fly the flag for their nation on the world stage. The Tunisian government and various local sports organisations, for example, have invested in specific programmes for Paralympic athletes, with adapted infrastructure and increased financial support.

South Africa has taken the same path with initiatives such as the Sasol Winter Gamesa multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities, which helps to develop Paralympic sport. But despite these efforts, much remains to be done to catch up with the most advanced nations in this field. Particularly in terms of funding and awareness.

A clear decline for the continent at the Paralympic Games

As a result of this lack of funding, the evolution of African performances at the Paralympic Games is worrying to say the least. In 16 years, the number of medals won by African athletes has been halved: from 120 medals in Athens in 2004, to only 63 in Tokyo in 2020 (compared to 117 in Beijing 2008, 112 in London 2012 and 99 in Rio 2016). This decline raises questions about the underlying reasons for this fall.

A regression that can be explained by many factors, starting with the intensification of international competition, with many countries having significantly increased their investments in Paralympic sport. This has raised the overall level of competition, to the detriment of the less financially well-off nations that invest the least in Paralympic sport. As a result, African countries, faced with economic and institutional constraints, are struggling to keep up with this pace.

Also, the evolution of sports categories and classification criteria has also played a role. These technical adjustments, although justified by a quest for fairness, can sometimes disadvantage African athletes, whose training and preparation programs are less sophisticated than those of their competitors, as is the training and competition equipment which is for some much less at the cutting edge of technology due to the costs involved.

National and continental strategies to be adopted

Another factor to consider: the reduction in the number of African para-athletes qualified for the Games is the direct consequence of the lack of suitable sports structures on the continent. This deficit prevents many potential talents from emerging and preparing effectively for these global events.

All these points make the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games a crucial turning point for African Paralympic sport in light of the colossal challenges that remain. While the Paralympic Games bring more medals to Africa than the Olympic Games, the decline in African performances in recent years is a wake-up call that calls for a reassessment of national and continental strategies for supporting para-athletes. As Paris hosts these Games, the 305 African athletes will carry a message of hope and perseverance, determined to elevate their continent to the top of world Paralympic sport.