James Chiutsi

 

James Chiutsi is a leading voice in disability sport in Southern Africa and has been central to the AT2030 Para Sport Against Stigma project since its launch in 2021. As President of the Malawi Paralympic Committee and Chair of AUSC Region 5’s Sport for People with Disability Committee, he has shaped strategy, governance, and regional collaboration. James brings a long-view perspective on systems change across the continent.

 

Para Sport Against Stigma (PSAS) is a research and innovation project exploring how Para and disability sport can be used to understand and shift disability stigma. Part of the FCDO-funded AT2030 programme, the project began by examining how Paralympic broadcasting could influence public perceptions across Sub-Saharan Africa in collaboration with the International Paralympic Committee.

 

Over time, the work has evolved. Today, PSAS focuses on how sport, storytelling, and assistive technology (AT) can contribute to longer-term systems change. We work in reflective cycles with national partners—co-developing activities, learning together, and shaping inclusive policies and practices from the ground up.

 

PSAS is currently delivered in collaboration with Loughborough University London, University of Malawi (UNIMA), the Malawi Paralympic Committee (MPC), and AUSC Region 5, alongside a wide network of storytellers, media professionals, and disabled persons’ organisations.