152 Athletes Compete for Paralympic Dreams in Algeria

The coastal city of Oran, Algeria is buzzing with energy as 152 para powerlifters prepare to chase their Olympic dreams at the African Open Championships running May 21-24.

Athletes from 15 African nations will compete alongside five countries from outside the region, all vying for ranking points that could secure their spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics. For teams from Angola, Gambia, and Guinea, this competition represents their first real shot at qualifying for the Games.

The home crowd will be cheering loudest for Algeria's Hocine Bettir, a two-time Paralympic bronze medalist and former world champion. He'll compete in a new weight category, challenging himself to reach even greater heights after his Paris 2024 success.

Egypt arrives with heavyweight talent, including reigning Paralympic and world champions Mohamed Elmenyawy and Rehab Ahmed, who both claimed gold on home soil earlier this year. The legendary Sherif Osman, who holds world records in two weight categories, will also test his strength in a new division.

Nigeria's powerhouse team features Paralympic champions and world record holders like Folashade Oluwafemiayo, Mark Onyinyechi, and Esther Oyema. Their squad also includes Rita Ferdinard, who shocked audiences by defeating China's Paralympic champion at the recent World Championships.

The Ripple Effect

This competition represents far more than medals and rankings. For many African nations, para powerlifting has become a pathway to recognition and opportunity for athletes with disabilities.

The sport's growing popularity across the continent is creating new training programs, changing perceptions about disability, and inspiring the next generation. Veterans like Algeria's three-time Paralympian Samira Guerioua have paved the way for rising stars like Chems Eddine Boudra and Sedjerari Radhouane, both recent World Championships medalists.

The regional championships series, which already stopped in Georgia and Thailand this year, ensures athletes worldwide get equal opportunities to qualify for the Paralympics. By bringing world-class competition to different continents, the sport is building stronger communities and creating heroes in countries where disability sports were once overlooked.

As these 152 athletes step onto the platform in Oran, they're not just lifting weights—they're lifting expectations, breaking barriers, and proving what's possible when determination meets opportunity.