Parasports

Parasports or Adaptive Sports are competitive sports designed for individuals with disabilities. They are often based on existing able-bodied sports, but with modifications to the rules and equipment to accommodate the athletes' specific needs.

History

The history of Parasports dates back to the aftermath of World War II, when they were used as a rehabilitation tool for injured veterans. The first organized Paralympic Games were held in Rome in 1960, and have since grown to include a wide range of sports and athletes from around the world.

Classification

In Parasports, athletes are classified based on their functional abilities. This classification system ensures fair competition by grouping athletes with similar abilities together. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) oversees the classification system for most parasports.

Sports

There are a wide variety of sports available for athletes with disabilities, including wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, sitting volleyball, goalball, and boccia. Each sport has its own unique set of rules and equipment modifications.

Events

Major events in the parasport calendar include the Paralympic Games, which are held every four years in the same city as the Olympic Games, and the World Para Athletics Championships, which are held every two years. There are also numerous national and regional competitions held throughout the year.

Organizations

Several organizations are dedicated to promoting and organizing parasports, including the International Paralympic Committee, Special Olympics, and Invictus Games. These organizations work to provide opportunities for athletes with disabilities to compete at the highest level.

See Also

• Paralympic Games
• Special Olympics
• Invictus Games
• Adaptive sports equipment