PARALYMPIC SPORTS Meaning and
Definition
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Paralympic sports refer to a range of competitive athletic activities specifically designed for individuals with physical, sensory, or intellectual impairments. These sports are organized and regulated by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and take place alongside the Olympic Games, forming the Paralympic Games.
The aim of Paralympic sports is to provide equal opportunities for athletes with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and encouraging their participation in high-level sports competitions. Athletes compete according to their functional classification within their respective impairment groups, ensuring fair and equitable competition.
The sports featured in the Paralympic Games encompass a versatile selection of individual and team events. These include but are not limited to athletics, swimming, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, powerlifting, cycling, rowing, and goalball. Each sport is adapted to suit the varying impairments and abilities of the participants, with specific rules and equipment modifications put in place to ensure safe and accessible play.
Paralympic sports not only showcase exceptional athletic abilities but also serve as a catalyst for social change and breaking down stigmas associated with disability. These sports inspire athletes to push their physical limits, redefine conventional perceptions of what individuals with disabilities can achieve, and foster a spirit of determination, inclusivity, and sportsmanship. The Paralympic Games act as a global platform to celebrate the accomplishments of para-athletes and promote the ideals of diversity, equality, and advocacy for individuals with disabilities.
Etymology of PARALYMPIC SPORTS
The word "Paralympic" is a combination of the Greek prefix "para-" meaning "beside" or "alongside", and "Olympic", which refers to the Olympic Games. The term was created to describe the parallel sports event for athletes with disabilities, which runs parallel to the Olympic Games. The Paralympic Games were initially founded as the Stoke Mandeville Games in 1948 by Dr. Ludwig Guttmann and evolved into the Paralympic Games in 1960.
