National sports associations for persons with disabilities, together with regional associations from both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, have been directed to immediately begin preparations and training programmes for their teams following the official launch of the National Para Games.
The directive has been issued by the Tanzania Paralympic Committee (TPC) after its Executive Committee approved the establishment of the historic national competition.
The games are scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam and are part of Tanzania’s long-term preparation pathway toward the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
TPC said the initiative represents a major milestone in strengthening para sports development in the country, improving talent identification systems, and enhancing Tanzania’s competitiveness in international para sporting events.
According to TPC Secretary General Ramadhan Namkoveka, national federations must now take immediate action to organize structured preparations while the committee finalizes key technical, administrative, and logistical arrangements in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
He emphasized that the national competitions will serve as a critical platform for identifying emerging talent, selecting athletes for international assignments, and facilitating International Classification processes required for participation in elite para sports competitions, including the Paralympic Games.
TPC has urged all affiliated associations to ensure timely preparation of their athletes and to organize internal qualifying competitions in line with the approved calendar to guarantee readiness for the national stage.
The competition schedule begins on October 10, 2026, with the Tanzania Para Swimming National Talent Identification Gala. This will be followed by the Tanzania National Wheelchair Basketball Championship on November 21, 2026.
The programme will culminate with the Tanzania National Para Games on November 28, 2026, featuring disciplines such as athletics, powerlifting, wheelchair racing, and goalball.
TPC noted that the overall objective is to expand access to sports for persons with disabilities, strengthen inclusion, and build a sustainable system for developing competitive athletes capable of representing Tanzania at international level.
Officials further said the new structured approach will create a clear pathway for athletes from grassroots participation to elite competition, improving performance standards and increasing Tanzania’s visibility in global para sports.
TPC reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with national federations, regional associations, and development partners to ensure successful implementation of the 2026 Para Games programme and the long-term growth of para sports in Tanzania.
