12th Fasu Games: Para Sport Takes Its Place In African University Sport
The 12th All Africa University Games (FASU Games) in Cairo have marked a significant development in African university sport with the introduction of Para sports to the continental university games programme. For the first time in the history of the Games, Para athletes are competing in Para athletics, badminton, table tennis and swimming, creating new opportunities for student athletes with disabilities to participate at the continental level.
The introduction has already produced notable results, particularly in Para swimming. The opening events produced six medals, including four gold medals. Mohamed El Sayed won gold in the men's 50m backstroke, while Nour El Din Mohamed Gaber secured bronze medals in the men's 50m freestyle and 50m breaststroke.
In the women's events, Malak Abdel Shafi claimed gold in the 50m backstroke and silver in the 100m freestyle. Her journey into swimming began as physiotherapy after an accident left her paralysed at nine months old. She later became the first Egyptian and Arab woman to reach a Paralympic swimming final at Tokyo 2020. She currently combines her sporting career with Mechanical Engineering studies at The American University in Cairo.
Aya Ayman also turned an early experience with aquatic rehabilitation into an international Para swimming career. A veteran of the World Para Swimming Championships, she won gold in the women's 100m freestyle in Cairo, becoming one of the first Para swimming champions in FASU Games history.
The inclusion of Para sports also expands the role of university sport as a pathway for developing athletic talent. With Para athletes now competing as part of the FASU Games programme, universities have an opportunity to identify and support athletes with disabilities while providing them with access to continental competition and development opportunities.
The Cairo 2026 Games therefore mark an important step in the expansion of participation within African university sport. The performances recorded in the opening Para swimming events demonstrate the competitive potential of Para athletes while placing their achievements within the wider university sports environment.
As the 12th FASU Games continue in Cairo, the introduction of Para sports adds a new dimension to the continental university sports programme and creates a platform for student athletes with disabilities to compete alongside their peers at the African university level.
Source: Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU) Original report by: Victor Oluwaseun Olabisi