Malawi National Para School Games

Limited public awareness, traditional beliefs, and low commercial interest in Para sport in Malawi meant opportunities for athletes with disabilities remained scarce, and national competitions virtually non-existent.

To change this, the Malawi Paralympic Committee (MPC) hosted the first Malawi National Para School Games in July 2023 at the National Stadium, to identify and develop elite athletes, promote unity, raise awareness, and offer equal opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate and thrive in sport and society.

Who was involved?

The MPC led the expansion of the Games, and partnered with several public institutions, including the Ministries of Sports, Education, Disability Affairs, the Malawi Council of Disability Affairs and Local Government. Private sector stakeholders were engaged to support programme delivery.

What was done?

To expand access to Para sport, the MPC broadened its focus beyond vision impaired Para athletics to include goalball, Para powerlifting, sitting volleyball, and wheelchair basketball. The MPC established a national administrative structure spanning zone, district, and regional levels, which enabled effective athlete identification, volunteer coordination, and event delivery.

Qualifying events for the Games started at the zone, then district and regional levels, helped increase awareness and made the final event more competitive.

The first Malawi National Para School Games brought together 127 athletes aged 11–30, supported by over 50 officials, 80 parents and teachers. In total 27 schools and more than half of Malawi’s districts were represented.

Adapted athlete accommodation and services were provided in collaboration with the Malawi Schools Sports Association.

What made it special?

The first Malawi National Para School Games marked a turning point in the organisation of Para sport in the country, laying the foundation for a structured, bottom-up athlete development pathway, from playground to podium.

For the first time, athletes with disabilities had the opportunity to compete at a national level, allowing the MPC to identify emerging talent and select national teams.

The event sparked widespread interest and shifted perceptions of disability sport among both the public and policymakers. Parents and guardians contacted the MPC to explore how their children could get involved. Public and private sector stakeholders expressed interest in supporting future editions, recognising the Games as a credible platform for disability inclusion and talent development.

What changed?

The MPC successfully promoted itself as a competent and trusted national body, capable of delivering impactful Para sport experiences and advancing the broader Movement for disability inclusion. The Games strengthened public recognition of the rights of persons with disabilities and generated increased interest from communities, volunteers, and institutional partners.

The Malawi Council of Disability Affairs leveraged the event to raise awareness about the Persons with Disabilities Bill, using the Games as a national platform for advocacy.

Importantly, the perception of Para sport began to shift. Rather than being viewed solely through a charitable lens, the Games positioned Para sport as a legitimate and competitive domain worthy of national recognition and investment. This change drew the attention of the private sector who began to see Para athletes as credible ambassadors and potential brand role models.

What was learned?

To increase competitiveness, grassroots engagement, create a clearer athlete pathway and generate early public interest, it is recommended the Games begin with district and regional qualifiers.

In addition, more time should be allocated for athlete classification and acclimatisation. In the first edition, athletes arrived late and competed the next day. Fatigue impacted performance.

To raise the profile of the Games, the MPC aims to have some sports sanctioned by the relevant International Federations. This would allow for international participation and the potential to serve as qualifiers for global competitions.