With a motto of “Spirit in Motion” to live up to, the Paralympic games are a spectacular international multi-sport event that showcases the incredible talents of athletes with a range of physical disabilities. Despite starting as an independent event, it has transformed in credibility and competitiveness into the global phenomenon it is today. 

The history

Beginning with the Stoke Mandeville Games in 1948, Dr. Ludwig Guttmann organized a series of sports to be used as rehabilitation for patients recovering from spinal cord injuries. Eventually the games evolved to be recreational and, eventually, competitive. The first official Paralympic Games took place in Rome in 1960. 

From humble beginnings, the first iteration of the Paralympics hosted 400 athletes from 23 countries and has now grown to include more than 4,000 athletes representing over 100 countries. 

Much like the Olympic Games, the Paralympic games have seasonal-specific sports. The Winter Games include skiing, sled hockey, snowboarding, and wheelchair curling. The Summer Games include sports like swimming, wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, blind soccer, and wheelchair rugby (which has earned the nickname “murderball” due to its intensity and aggressive play style). 

Classification system

Unlike the Olympics, the Paralympics requires a unique approach to classifying athletes based on their disability—and it’s more complex than you might expect!

With divisions for a Classification Code, Education, and Research, the purpose is to ensure a fair competition. The system dictates that athletes must:

• Have an eligible impairment
• Meet minimal impairment criteria as objectively assessed
• Be allocated to a sport class and be able to execute the specific activities fundamental to the sport

Advancements

Support for the Paralympics actually translates into tangible benefits for society at large. The need for adaptive sports technology has driven innovations advantageous to athletes and also to people with disabilities in everyday life. For example, advanced prosthetics, which are designed to optimize an athlete’s performance, trickles down into usages for other members of the disabled community. 

Accessibility

The Paralympic games are an exciting and inspirational sporting event, which showcases wildly impressive athletic abilities globally. Despite this, paralympic athletes face additional challenges receiving less financial compensation than their olympic counterparts. 

The games themselves are often less publicized, receive less media coverage, and fewer sponsors than the Olympics. Fortunately, coverage and supporters are steadily growing. 

Impact

In addition to celebrating unity and diversity amongst para athletes from around the world, the Games are actively driving positive social change by highlighting the strength and resilience of all the competitors. Ultimately, the more engagement the Games continue to garner—as they grow with new sports, additional spectators, and increased coverage—the more societal attitudes towards disability will continue to change for the better. 

Like the Olympics, the Paralympic games are a testament to the human spirit and potential, proving anyone can achieve greatness. Whether you’re an every-day sports enthusiast or just curious about adaptive sports, the Paralympics offer an exciting spectator experience for everyone.

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