Paralympians past, present and future soaked up the early autumn sun on the opening day of the 2026 Toyota SASAPD National Championships held at Coetzenburg Stadium in Stellenbosch on Saturday.
The big drawcard was the Winelands International track and field competition, during which the opening ceremony for the championships was held. However, other codes were also spread across the area with Boccia, para powerlifting, para judo and goalball also on the programme.
Team SA Paralympians were enjoying the opportunity to be tested at this time of year in a multi-code sporting environment. Among them was five-time Paralympian and two-time Commonwealth Games sprint gold medallist Jonathan Ntutu. “I’m really trying to qualify for the 2026 Commonwealth Games as I’ll be going for gold in three successive such Games.
“I really enjoyed the experience and performing for Team SA at the Gold Coast in 2018 and Birmingham in 2022, but I know the youngsters are coming or me. That motivates me though!” Ntutu is now 40, but showing no signs of stopping soon. “I’m a veteran, but a wise veteran! I’ve still got plenty left.”
Another who was in action on Saturday was another veteran, in terms of experience, but not in age. Liezel Gouws has already represented Team SA in three Paralympic Games, and she’s still just 27. She was looking forward to a busy, but productive programme at these 2026 Nationals. “I really am motivated for what’s coming up and obviously the 2028 LA Paralympics is on the horizon. I feel full of energy and am no less excited than I was when I was starting out.And now we’re in the Winelands, don’t you have the expression, ‘maturing like fine wine?’”
When it came to the international scoring scale, the 2024 gold medallist from Paris, Simone Kruger, led the way, although it was in the shot put where her distance of 12.38m set the standard. That was the performance of the day. Kruger, competing in the colours of Maties, also won the F38 discus with a best result of 35.73m.
Like Ntutu, another Paralympian, Sheryl James, is also 50, having reached the milestone in February. She has two Paralympics under her belt and won a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games that were staged in 2021. “I’m feeling good. It’s great to be down here and it’s such a lovely venue. Things are going well.”
Away from the track and field events, day one delivered an immediate statement of intent, with Paris Paralympian Ndyebo Lamani taking to the mat in the para judo. Across the venues, athletes showcased both excellence and urgency, fully aware that this competition represents the final opportunity to secure qualification standards ahead of the Commonwealth Games cut-off on 31 March.
The para powerlifting arena, in particular, featured a strong international contingent, with athletes delivering standout performances as they look to solidify their positions on the world stage. The presence of international competitors once again reinforces the status of the Toyota SASAPD National Championships as a key event on the global para sport calendar, offering athletes the opportunity to improve rankings and strengthen selection cases for major championships.
TOP PERFORMERS
Based on points
1046 Simone Kruger (F38 shot put)
1002 Liezel Gouws (F37 long jump)
942 Simone Kruger (F38 discus)
881 Sheryl James (T37 100m)
863 Sheryl James (T37 200m)
820 Liezel Gouws (T37 200m)
819 Jonathan Ntutu (T12 100m)
803 Masala Makutu (T12 100m)
752 Paul Daniels (T62 100m)
749 Yane van der Merwe (F38 discus)
STILL TO COME
Sunday
8am-5.30pm: Goalball
8am-7pm: Boccia
9am-1pm: Para Cycling time trial
9am-1.45pm: CP Football
9am-5pm: Para Athletics
11am-1pm: Para Swimming
Monday
8am-5.30pm: Goalball
8am-6pm: Boccia
9am-1.45pm: CP Football
9am-5pm: Para Athletics
10am-2pm: Para Cycling (track, Killarney raceway)
11am-1pm: Para Swimming
Tuesday
8-11am: Para Athletics
8am-12noon: Goalball
8am-2pm: Boccia
9am-1.40pm: CP Football
9am-1pm: Para Cycling (road race, Killarney raceway)
5-8pm: Closing ceremony