A total of 86 people from 16 African countries participated in a three-day camp organized in Windhoek, Namibia, as part of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Sport for Mobility program. The initiative, held between Sunday and Tuesday, brought together athletes, coaches, classifiers, and technical officials with the aim of strengthening Paralympic sport on the continent.

The camp, supported by the international federations World Para Athletics and World Para Powerlifting, offered comprehensive training in their disciplines with practical and theoretical sessions, as well as specific workshops for the development of technical and leadership skills, which are fundamental to the growth of the African Paralympic movement.

Para athletics training

During the camp, athletes participated in track and field training alongside their coaches, as well as exploring the history and values of the Paralympic Movement. Topics such as the importance of motivation and experience in an athlete’s career were discussed. Namibian athlete Manfred Kpapa highlighted the usefulness of the training in improving his preparation and performance on the track.

The coaching course combined theory and practice, covering everything from training planning and strategies to running technique, throwing, and long jump. It also addressed aspects such as communication, the fight against doping, and the role of the coach, with group presentations and peer feedback sessions.

Catherine Louise Sellers, instructor of the coaching course, highlighted the enthusiasm and involvement of the participants, encouraging them to maintain an attitude of continuous learning in order to adapt to new techniques and contribute to the growth of the Paralympic Movement.

Boosting para powerlifting in Africa

Africa has two of the five most successful nations in para powerlifting at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, demonstrating the continent’s potential in this discipline. To reinforce its development, the campus included a classifier course focusing on athlete assessment, classification criteria, and safety, as well as practical assessments.

The course for technical officials addressed weighing procedures, organization, and incident resolution during lifts. These sessions are key to expanding the number of qualified professionals who can support the organization of para powerlifting competitions throughout the region.

Alieu Mansaray, from Sierra Leone, expressed his desire to apply the knowledge he acquired in his country and contribute to the development of para powerlifting, helping people with fewer resources to progress in the sport. The exchange of experiences and the training received reinforce the support network necessary for the sustainable growth of Paralympic disciplines in Africa.