Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie was a special guest on the opening day of the 2026 Toyota SASAPD National Championships in Stellenbosch on Saturday and he opened the four-day event with a message of hope for the para sport community.
The official opening ceremony took place at the Coetzenburg Athletics Stadium, forming part of the broader programme for the 2026 SASAPD Score Winelands International. The ceremony brought together athletes, officials, and stakeholders in a celebration of resilience, performance, and the continued growth of disability sport in South Africa.
The Championships received significant endorsement with the attendance of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture and SASCOC president Barry Hendricks in attendance.
Their presence underscored the importance of the event within the national sporting landscape and highlighted the increasing recognition of para sport as a high-performance pathway.
Addressing the athletes directly, Minister McKenzie emphasised the need for increased investment and support for disability sport, reaffirming government’s commitment to the sector. He announced plans for a new, fully supported competition aimed at elevating opportunities for para athletes, stating: “We are going to have a new competition which we will discuss with the President, where you will all compete and we will pay for everything. I will make sure that the department puts in ten-million rand to the event and it must be the best event on the calendar for you.”
SASAPD President Jean Miggels reinforced the federation’s vision and commitment to the growth of disability sport in South Africa, stating: “Inclusion is not merely a principle for us – it is our mission. Accessibility is not an option – it is our responsibility. Development is not a slogan – it is our commitment. From grassroots participation to elite performance, we stand united in advancing disability sport across our nation.”
The Toyota SASAPD National Championships continue to serve as a vital platform for athletes with disabilities, providing opportunities not only for competition but for progression along the pathway to international success. As highlighted in previous editions of the Championships, events such as these remain essential in identifying and nurturing talent, while contributing to the broader Paralympic movement.