Egypt will participate in the Sydney Paralympics with 46 athletes in four sports. On the basis of Egypt's results in Atlanta, Steadward thinks Egyptian athletes will do well in the Sydney Paralympics. As to Cairo's bid to host the 2008 Paralympics along with nine other cities, Steadward said its chances were decent. I think Cairo has a chance because the weather and the place is fantastic. Ali Herzallah, head of the IPC Africa zone, said financing was Africa's most serious problem.
Most African countries have problems in travelling.
To go to Tunisia, for example, you must pass by France. As a result, only a small number of countries take part in African championships. Countries like Senegal and Eritrea do not have enough money to cover the expenses of able-bodied athletes, not to mention the disabled. The next IPC conference, in 2001, is slated for either Cambodia or Lebanon, countries where civil war casualties included many, many athletes.