The President of the African Paralympic Committee (AfPC), Samson Deen, delivered an address at the opening ceremony of the inaugural West Africa Para Games in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, on 28 November 2025.
Speaking before government officials, traditional leaders, sports administrators and athletes from across the region, Deen described the event as an important moment for the West African Paralympic movement. He said the Games should be viewed not only as a sporting competition but as part of a wider effort to promote equality and inclusion in African sport.
“Para sports need its own Nkrumah, a political leader who will unite Africa and use sport to promote true inclusion. The success of para sports is the success of Africa, because no nation rises when any of its people are left behind. 2025 is a historic turning point for para sports in Africa.”
Deen drew a historical parallel with the first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 1957, noting that many of the continent’s major sporting institutions were founded through unity and collective ambition. He said para sports now have the opportunity to play a similar role.
As he emphasised regional solidarity, Deen added: “West Africa stands not as 14 nations, but as one sub-region determined to rise together.”
Addressing the athletes, he said their performances have the potential to influence policy and change perceptions of disability on the continent. He also presented a long-term vision in which African sports infrastructure becomes fully accessible, para sports receive dedicated funding and para athletes gain wider public recognition.
Finally, invoking the historical inspiration behind African sport, he proclaimed: “With the spirit that inspired the first AFCON in 1957, and with the courage of our athletes, I declare the 1st West Africa Para Games officially opened.”
The Games, which end on 3 December, feature athletes from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Mali, Liberia, Benin, Togo, The Gambia, Guinea, Cape Verde, DR Congo and Cameroon.
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