National sports associations for athletes with disabilities in both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar have been instructed to immediately begin preparations, including training programmes and internal competitions, ahead of the National Para Games 2026.
The directive has been issued by the Tanzania Paralympic Committee (TPC) following approval by its Executive Committee to officially launch the National Para Games.
The historic event will be held in Dar es Salaam and is expected to serve as a key stepping stone in Tanzania’s preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
TPC Secretary General Ramadhan Namkoveka said the early preparations are essential to ensure smooth coordination and effective talent development across the country.
He added that while associations begin preparing their teams, the committee will continue finalising key administrative, technical, and logistical arrangements in collaboration with relevant sports bodies.
He explained that the competitions will play a central role in identifying promising athletes who will represent Tanzania in international competitions, as well as facilitating International Classification, which is a mandatory process for participation in Paralympic events.
According to him, the initiative is also aimed at strengthening Tanzania’s overall readiness for qualification to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
TPC has called on all affiliated associations to ensure timely planning and structured training programmes in order to meet the set competition schedules and ensure strong participation across all para sports disciplines.
According to the official calendar, the Para Swimming National Talent Identification Gala will open the series of events on October 10, 2026.
This will be followed by the National Wheelchair Basketball Championship scheduled for November 21, 2026.
The National Para Games, which will bring together multiple disciplines including athletics, powerlifting, wheelchair racing, and goalball, are set to take place on November 28, 2026, in Dar es Salaam.
TPC reiterated that the main objective of the initiative is to expand access to sports for persons with disabilities, strengthen competitive performance, and enhance Tanzania’s representation in regional and international para sports events.
The committee further noted that early preparations will help improve talent identification systems, broaden participation from regional associations, and build a stronger and more competitive national team structure ahead of future global competitions.
