Destination (Road to LA28)
The Journey to LA28 Starts Now
Every medal contender begins their journey years before stepping into the Paralympic arena. For our athletes, the road to Los Angeles starts with international competitions that provide the recognition, experience, and official classification they need to qualify.
Why these events matter...
Classification is the backbone of Paralympic sport. Athletes are placed into categories to ensure fair competition — but these classifications can only be secured through international competition. Without support, many South African athletes simply cannot afford the travel and participation costs required to compete at these critical events.
ZA-LA28 is bridging that gap. By helping our throwers attend these global competitions, we are not only giving them the chance to qualify, but also the chance to gain invaluable international experience, build confidence, and prepare mentally and physically for LA28.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is international competition so important for our athletes?
International competitions are where athletes gain the official classification required to compete at the Paralympics. Without attending these events, they cannot qualify — no matter how talented they are. These events also provide crucial experience competing against the world’s best.
- Which events are most important on the road to LA28?
Two key milestones stand out:
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Tunis Grand Prix (June 2025): Essential for securing international classification.
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2025 World Championships in India (September 2025): The final major competition before LA28 preparations begin.
- What happens if athletes cannot attend these events?
Unfortunately, if athletes miss classification or competition opportunities, they may not be eligible for LA28. This means South Africa could lose out on sending world-class talent to represent our nation.
- How will my support make a difference?
Every contribution — whether financial, in-kind, or corporate — directly impacts an athlete’s journey. Your support helps cover travel, training, and competition costs, ensuring our athletes are given a fair chance to qualify and shine on the international stage.
- What does “classification” mean in Paralympic sport?
In Paralympic sport, classification is the process used to make competition fair for athletes with different disabilities.
The simple definition:
Classification groups athletes based on how much their disability affects their ability to do that specific sport.
Why it exists:
Without classification, someone with a mild impairment could compete against someone with a severe impairment—this wouldn’t be fair. Classification tries to make sure athletes are competing on an even playing field.
What classification looks at:
- Type of impairment (e.g., limb loss, muscle weakness, vision impairment, coordination impairment, etc.)
- How that impairment affects performance in the sport (e.g., running, swimming, shooting).
Final output:
Athletes are placed into a sport class—a number or code (like T54, S10, S14)—with competitors who have similar functional ability.
If you want, I can explain classification in a specific Paralympic sport or what a certain class means.
- How much does it cost for athletes to compete internationally?
Costs vary depending on destination, but typically include flights, visas, accommodation, entry fees, and equipment transport. For a single athlete, international competition can cost anywhere from R50,000 to R60,000 per trip. That’s why sponsorship and donations are vital.