West Africa is on the brink of a transformative sporting breakthrough as the continent prepares to witness the grand opening of the First West Africa Zone A & B Para Games at the iconic M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta. The ceremony will be led by the African Paralympic Committee (AfPC) President, Mr. Samson Deen, whose visionary leadership has ignited renewed energy and continental solidarity within Para sports.
Hosted by the Nigeria Paralympic Committee (NPC) under the stewardship of West Africa Regional Chair Mr. Sunday Odebode, the Games bring together elite Para athletes, national delegations, technical officials, and coaches from across West Africa. For an entire week, Abeokuta will become the beating heart of Para sport—showcasing excellence, resilience, unity, and the shared determination of athletes who continue to redefine possibility.
This landmark event stands as the first-ever sub-regional Para multi-sport Games in West Africa—an achievement years in the making. It signals a bold and decisive step toward strengthening athlete development structures, expanding access to competitive pathways, and empowering the next generation of young Africans with disabilities.
Speaking at the American Chamber of Commerce–Ghana Thanksgiving Dinner and Awards Night 2025, ahead of his departure for the opening ceremony, AfPC President Samson Deen highlighted the profound impact of Para sport on societies, communities, and national development:
“Para sport is not just competition. It is Africa’s most powerful tool to restore dignity, give hope, and create prosperity for the African child. I call on all African political leaders to rise, invest, and champion Para sport—because when we empower our athletes, we strengthen the soul of our continent.”
— Samson Deen, President, African Paralympic Committee
Across the continent, momentum is building. African nations are demonstrating growing commitment to disability inclusion, athlete development, and accessible sporting infrastructure. The inaugural West Africa Para Games serve as both a symbol and a catalyst—affirming the region’s readiness to lead Africa into a new era of Para sport innovation.
As athletes compete across multiple disciplines, the Games seek to:
•Promote regional cooperation and unity
•Establish strong talent pipelines for future continental and international competitions
•Advance disability inclusion and public awareness
•Strengthen national Paralympic capacities and governance
•Inspire families and communities to support Para athletes as national assets and role models
During the AfPC General Assembly earlier this month, NPC Nigeria President Sunday Odebode underscored the importance of the Games, noting that the event will “add immeasurable value, prestige, and inspiration to the continental Para sport agenda.”
With the eyes of the region fixed on Abeokuta, the West Africa Para Games embody the spirit of progress—celebrating courage, unity, excellence, and the unstoppable aspirations of Africa’s Para athletes.
As the stadium lights rise and the flags of West Africa brighten the sky, one truth becomes undeniable:
Africa is rising, Para sport is advancing, and a new chapter of hope has begun.
