A History Worth Remembering — ZA-LA28
The road to LA 2028

A History
Worth Remembering

Every medal begins years before the Games. Follow the ZA-LA28 squad's journey through the international competitions, classification milestones, and achievements that are writing South African para sport history.

Why these events matter

Classification is the
backbone of para sport

Athletes are placed into categories to ensure fair competition — but these classifications can only be secured through international competition. Without support, many South African athletes simply cannot afford the travel and participation costs required to compete at these critical events.

ZA-LA28 is bridging that gap. By helping our athletes attend these global competitions, we are not only giving them the chance to qualify, but the chance to gain invaluable international experience, build confidence, and prepare mentally and physically for LA 2028.

  • Without competing at international events, athletes cannot receive official Paralympic classifications — no matter how talented they are.
  • These events provide critical experience competing against the world's best — preparation money cannot buy.
  • If athletes miss classification opportunities, South Africa could lose out on sending world-class talent to represent the nation.
The real cost per athlete
R50,000
The average cost per athlete to compete at a single international Grand Prix event — covering flights, visas, accommodation, entry fees, and equipment transport. For events paying in dollars or pounds, the cost can reach R70,000 per person per week. That is why sponsorship and donations are not optional. They are the only way these athletes get to the start line.
The road ahead

Competition timeline

12–18 June 2025
Completed
Tunisia Grand Prix
A crucial event for international classification. Without competing here, many athletes cannot officially qualify for LA 2028. ZA-LA28 funded four athletes to attend. Results below.
Completed
2025 World Championships — India
A major test against the world's best. The final major competition before full Paralympic preparations began.
September 2025
8–13 March 2026
In Progress / Upcoming
New Delhi 2026 World Para Athletics Grand Prix
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, India
Classification: 8–10 March. Competition: 11–13 March. The New Delhi Grand Prix forms an integral part of the World Para Athletics Grand Prix Series. Critical for Mandeline Hoffmann's reclassification to F57 — required for LA 2028 qualification.
Upcoming
Winelands International
Local international competition — an important tune-up event ahead of the bigger qualifying competitions.
28 March 2026
29 March – 1 April 2026
Upcoming
SASAPD National Championships
South African Sports Association for Persons with Physical Disability National Championships. Critical domestic qualifying event for the squad.
Future
Commonwealth Games — Glasgow
Major international multi-sport event. Mandeline Hoffmann is on the shortlist for Para-Athletics at the Commonwealth Games — a significant milestone for the squad.
23 July – 2 August 2026
2027
Future
World Para Athletics Championships
The slot creation championships — the final major qualifying event before LA 2028. Performance here determines Paralympic entry allocations.
Paralympic Games
Los Angeles
The destination. Everything builds toward this moment. Six athletes. One nation. One chance.
2028
Achievements on the road

Results that are
building history

Tunis Grand Prix Para-Athletics
12–19 June 2025 — Tunisia

Project ZA-LA28 was launched to support and develop up-and-coming South African para athletes competing in field events — giving them a chance to compete overseas at Grand Prix events, especially those needing international classification. Attending such an event can cost up to R70,000 per person per week. ZA-LA28 raised funds to assist.

As the first step, the team targeted the Grand Prix in Tunis — the most accessible option available. Four athletes attended: Mandeline Hoffmann (classification review), Dowayne Vallentine (new athlete classification), Manie Blom (up for review), and Juane le Roux (additional competition experience). Each trip cost roughly R60,000.

Outcome: Dowayne Vallentine received his international classification. Manie Blom's review was deferred to end of 2028. Unfortunately for Mandeline, due to the rarity of her condition, additional medical reports were needed — her classification was not completed. She now needs to attend the India Grand Prix in March 2026 to finalise it.

Tunis 2025 — Squad Results
Athlete Event Class Result Place Notes
Mandeline Hoffmann Seated Discus F57 - - Classification incomplete
Mandeline Hoffmann Shot Put F57 - - Classification incomplete
Juane le Roux Shot Put F46 9.84m 5th
Juane le Roux Javelin F46 36.69m Silver African RecordPersonal Best
Manie Blom Shot Put T12 12.85m -
Dowayne Vallentine Seated Shot Put F34 8.53m 5th Classification confirmed
Para-Athletics Grand Prix — Rabat, Morocco
23–25 April 2026

Mandeline Hoffmann attended the Para-Athletics Grand Prix in Rabat, Morocco. At this competition her classification was confirmed as F57. She competed as a seated thrower, winning two gold medals in the discus and shot put.

Mandeline Hoffmann — Rabat 2026
Classification confirmed as F57 — a critical milestone for LA 2028 qualification. Two gold medals in her debut as a classified F57 athlete. Now ranked 4th in the Commonwealth and World for shot put, and 5th in the Commonwealth for discus.
2
Gold Medals
4th
World Ranking — Shot Put F57
F57
Classification confirmed
Common questions

Everything you want
to know

Why is international competition so important for our athletes?
International competitions are where athletes gain the official classification required to compete at the Paralympics. Without attending these events, they cannot qualify — no matter how talented they are. These events also provide crucial experience competing against the world's best.
Which events are most important on the road to LA28?
Two key milestones stand out: Tunisia Grand Prix (June 2025) — essential for securing international classification. 2025 World Championships in India (September 2025) — the final major competition before LA 2028 preparations begin.
What happens if athletes cannot attend these events?
If athletes miss classification or competition opportunities, they may not be eligible for LA 2028. This means South Africa could lose out on sending world-class talent to represent the nation.
How will my support make a difference?
Every contribution — whether financial, in-kind, or corporate — directly impacts an athlete's journey. Your support helps cover travel, training, and competition costs, ensuring athletes are given a fair chance to qualify and shine on the international stage.
What does classification mean in Paralympic sport?
Classification groups athletes based on how much their disability affects their ability to do that specific sport. Without classification, someone with a mild impairment could compete against someone with a severe impairment — that would not be fair. Classification ensures athletes compete on an even playing field.
How much does it cost for athletes to compete internationally?
Costs vary depending on destination, but typically include flights, visas, accommodation, entry fees, and equipment transport. For a single athlete, international competition can cost anywhere from R50,000 to R60,000 per trip. Events billed in dollars or pounds push that closer to R70,000. That is why sponsorship and donations are vital.
How classification works — in plain English
A certified Paralympic classifier assesses each athlete to determine which category they compete in. This process must happen at an approved international event — it cannot be done domestically.
1
Attend
Athlete travels to an approved international Grand Prix event
2
Assessed
Certified classifiers evaluate the nature and impact of the athlete's impairment
3
Compete
With classification confirmed, the athlete can officially enter Paralympic qualifying events
Be part of the story

This history is
still being written

Every competition. Every classification. Every record. This is a story that is happening right now. Your support helps write the next chapter.

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