Luanda: The secretary general of the World Committee for Amputee Football, Jorge Schlachtenberger, has described the soon-to-be-inaugurated “José Sayovo” Sports Complex in the province of Bengo as one of the best facilities for supporting adapted sports in Africa. He noted that it stands as an international reference for promoting social inclusion through sport.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Schlachtenberger emphasized that the center provides modern and integrated conditions for the practice and development of sports for individuals with disabilities. This development marks a significant advancement in recognizing Paralympic athletes and strengthening inclusion policies within Angola.
Schlachtenberger, who has previously held management roles at the International Paralympic Committee, remarked that the new infrastructure positions Angola among the top countries in Africa in terms of providing training and high-performance competition facilities for athletes with disabilities.
The leader also poin
ted out that the center has the potential to serve as a base for training courses for coaches, referees, and technicians. Additionally, it could host regional and continental events, including amputee football competitions and other Paralympic sports.
The Secretary-General further highlighted that this investment bolsters Angola’s image as a nation dedicated to inclusion and human development, mentioning improvements in administrative services and the reception of international visitors.
The “José Sayovo” High Performance Sports Center is the first facility of its kind in Angola, aimed at supporting the preparation of high-level athletes with a particular focus on adapted sports.
With a budget of US$70 million, the complex was constructed in the town of Bucula, covering an area of 15 hectares. This initiative is part of the government’s program to promote and modernize sports infrastructures.
The complex features a football field with synthetic turf, an athletics track with areas for jumping and throwing,
an Olympic swimming pool, a multi-sport pavilion for sports such as basketball, handball, volleyball, roller hockey, and futsal. It also includes multipurpose courts, a state-of-the-art gymnasium, dormitories accommodating 250 athletes, a cafeteria, a training school, and social and administrative areas.
