Paralympic Games 2025 – What You Need to Know

If you love sports and want a fresh dose of inspiration, the Paralympic Games are a must‑watch. The 2025 edition lands in Paris and brings together athletes who push limits every day. Whether you’re new to the Paralympics or a long‑time fan, here’s a quick guide that covers the schedule, top African competitors, and easy ways to catch all the action.

Key Dates and Venues

The opening ceremony kicks off on August 28, 2025, at the iconic Stade de France. Over ten days, more than 500 events run across venues like the Roland Garros courts for wheelchair tennis and the Aquatics Centre for swimming. Finals wrap up with a spectacular closing ceremony on September 8. Most sports follow a morning‑afternoon schedule, so you can plan your day around work or school.

Streaming is simple: the official Paralympic channel streams live on YouTube, while local broadcasters in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya will air highlights on free‑to‑air TV. If you have a sports package, you’ll also find a dedicated “Paralympics” channel that offers replays and behind‑the‑scenes interviews.

Top African Athletes to Watch

Africa is stepping up its Paralympic game. South Africa’s sprinter Charl du Toit, who broke the world record in 400 m T13 last year, is aiming for another gold. Nigeria’s powerlifter Esther Oyema returns after a successful rehab and hopes to dominate the women’s heavyweight class.

Kenya’s wheelchair marathoner Edwin Kipchumba has been training on high‑altitude tracks and says he feels ready to challenge the European favorites. And don’t miss Egypt’s para‑taekwondo star Mohamed Al‑Ghanem, who’s already medaled in two previous Games and is known for his fierce kicks.

These athletes not only bring medals; they inspire a new generation of disabled sportspeople across the continent. Their stories often show up on local news sites, so keep an eye out for feature pieces during the Games.

Beyond the big names, there are many lesser‑known events worth checking out. Para‑archery and para‑shooting may not get prime‑time slots, but they offer intense focus and skill that can surprise even seasoned fans.

If you’re wondering how to support these athletes beyond watching, consider donating to national Paralympic committees or sharing their stories on social media. A simple retweet can help raise awareness and attract sponsorships that fund training programs in Africa.

Finally, make your viewing experience more fun by gathering friends for a watch‑party. Set up a snack bar with local flavors, wear the colors of your favorite African nation, and maybe even try a quick adaptive sport demo if you have access to equipment. The Paralympic Games aren’t just about competition; they’re about community, resilience, and breaking barriers.

So mark your calendar, set up your streaming app, and get ready for a two‑week celebration of talent that proves anything is possible on the track, in the pool, or on the field. The Paralympic Games 2025 are coming – don’t miss a single moment.