In a resounding message of unity and international partnership, UK Sport has congratulated Mr. Samson Deen on his re-election as President of the African Paralympic Committee (AfPC), declaring it a major step forward for para sport development across Africa and the Commonwealth.
In an official letter endorsed by Prof. Nick Webborn CBE DL, Chair of UK Sport, the British organisation praised President Deen’s “continued leadership and dedication to advancing the Paralympic Movement in Africa.” The successful hosting of the 2025 AfPC General Assembly in Accra, the letter noted, stands as proof of his unwavering commitment to unity, inclusion, and the empowerment of para-athletes across the continent.
Prof. Webborn spotlighted the dynamic role of the Commonwealth Sports Movement in shaping global para sports, revealing recent discussions with Donald Rukare, President-elect of Commonwealth Sports. Rukare reportedly expressed strong enthusiasm for deepening collaboration and strengthening para sport pathways across Africa, especially ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, where para sports will make up an unprecedented 60% of the competition programme.
UK Sport also applauded impactful initiatives such as the GAPS (Global Athlete Pathway Support) Programme, which has been instrumental in transforming para sport systems, expanding opportunities, and elevating athletes across the Commonwealth, including those in Africa.
Looking forward, UK Sport proposed a high-level strategic meeting in London, bringing together President Deen, Commonwealth President-elect Rukare, and the British Paralympic Association. The agenda:
Expanding support for African national para sport federations
Strengthening NPC–NOC partnerships across the region
Enhancing training, classification, governance, and athlete development pathways
Establishing new collaboration frameworks for global para sport growth
We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the African Paralympic Committee under your leadership,” Prof. Webborn wrote, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to building stronger, more inclusive international partnerships rooted in shared Paralympic values.
With Samson Deen’s renewed mandate and the UK pledging deeper engagement, a new era of Europe Africa para sport unity is set to unfold one defined by cooperation, opportunity, and the unstoppable rise of para athletes across the continent.
