The 2020 Toyota National championships for the physically disabled was launched at the Feather Market Hall in Nelson Mandela Bay on Monday 24 February.
Attended by three time Paralympic gold medallist , Michael Louwrens as well as up and coming athletes from the province, the municipality threw its weight behind the event.
Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay, Thsonono Buyeye says, “The City continues to commit itself to support these games because we know we are contributing towards creating champions that will lift the country flag high. We know that physically challenges sportsmen/woman are the most decorated in terms of Olympics success. We want that to continue”
This is the fourth time the Eastern Cape Sports association for the physically disabled hosts the event since the provincial organizations’ establishment in 2009.
The event will provide Paralympic hopefuls with a chance to better their world rankings in Athletics and Swimming.
Through this, participants will be able to increase their chances of being selected for the national team to represent South Africa at the games in Tokyo.
SASAPD president Moekie Grobelaar says, “Guess what… another four years has passed and we are on the verge of another showcase of our Paralympians at the upcoming Toyota Nationals . Our top performers will have one of their last chances to perform and fight for a place in Team South Africa for the Paralympics in Tokyo. I wish you all the best but most of all enjoy every minute.”
The Championships will feature Para Athletics; Para Swimming ; CP football ; Judo; Para Powerlifting; Boccia ; Goalball and Para Cycling at different venues in the metro.
Para swimming will take place at the Newton Park swimming pool while the track and field competition will take place at the NMU Athletics Track.
Entrance is free for spectators.
The opening ceremony will take place at the Feather Market Hall on the 21st March 2020 with the games concluding on the 25th.