Time’s flying! In just two days, boom! The Paralympics kick off on August 28th. The torch is already lit for August 24th, and excitement is in the air. So, how are you feeling? Are you on cloud nine yet? We all know about the Olympics, but how much do you really know about the Paralympics? Here’s the scoop: 225 Paralympic athletes are gearing up to compete under Team USA’s banner this year. And guess what? The USA 2024 roster is a perfect example of gender equality, with 110 women and 110 men. It’s going to be an event to remember!
The Paralympics are like the Olympics, but with a twist: they’re for athletes with disabilities. Whether you’re talking Blind Football for those who can’t see, Wheelchair Basketball, or Para Athletics for those who need a bit of extra help on the court, these games have something for everyone. They might tweak the rules a bit, but the thrill and skill are just as intense.
And here’s the scoop: three incredible Americans are gearing up for their seventh Paralympic Games in Paris: Oksana Masters in Para-Cycling, Tatyana McFadden in Para Athletics, and Tahl Leibovitz in Para Table Tennis. Talk about impressive! It’s a huge moment of pride. You might be wondering, though—what kind of disabilities qualify or what criteria are required for athletes for the Paralympics? Let me break it down for you!
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Paralympic eligibility information: Disabilities accepted at the Paralympics
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is responsible for overseeing all Paralympic Games, guaranteeing that athletes with disabilities can compete in an inclusive environment. Due to the various ranges of disabilities, the IPC has created categories for competitive events.
There are ten eligible impairment types in the Paralympics:
| Impairment types | Description |
| Impaired muscle power | Decreased muscle contraction affects their capacity to move or produce power. E.g., Post-Polio Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, and more. |
| Impaired passive range of movement | Limited range of motion, may experience constraints or difficulties moving their joints. E.g., Arthrogryposis |
| Limb deficiency | Lack of limbs, either partially or entirely as a result of injuries, diseases, or conditions, from birth. E.g., Amputation due to Cancer or Dysmelia. |
| Leg length difference | Differences in the lengths of their legs due to growth disruptions or injuries. |
| Short stature | Those who are shorter in height may have bones in their limbs or torso, which can impact their stature. E.g., Growth Hormone Dysfunction, Achondroplasia |
| Hypertonia | Experience muscle tension and reduced flexibility as a result of damage to the nervous system. E.g., Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury |
| Ataxia | Difficulties in coordinating their movements due to damage to the system. E.g., Stroke, Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury |
| Athetosis | Athletes who have Athetosis undergo movements as a result of neurological disorders. |
| Vision impairment | Complete loss of vision as a result of eye or Visual Pathway Injuries. E.g., Retinitis Pigmentosa, Diabetic Retinopath |
| Intellectual impairment | Challenges arise in abilities and practical skills that affect life. |
But for them, what kind of sports are available?
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Learn about the Universal Relay and other major events
The upcoming Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024 will see more than 4,400 athletes participating across 22 sports, for a total of 549 medal events. One of the attractions is expected to be the 4x100m Universal Relay, a special relay race introduced back in 2018. This event stands out as it involves four athletes with varying disabilities running together, making it a unique and exciting spectacle that is sure to captivate the audience.
The Summer Paralympics will offer a variety of sports to enjoy. You can watch events like Para-Archery, where athletes shoot using their feet, and Para-Cycling, which features tandem bikes for impaired riders. That’s the beginning! Here’s what you can look forward to:
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- Para Archery
- Para Cycling
- Para Powerlifting
- Para Canoeing
- Para Table Tennis
- Para Athletics
- Para Swimming
- Wheelchair Fencing
- Wheelchair Rugby
- Wheelchair Basketball
- Wheelchair Marathon
- Wheelchair Tennis
- Blind Soccer
- Sitting Volleyball
- Para Triathlon
Plus, there are unique sports in the Paralympics, like boccia and goalball, that you won’t see anywhere else. With so many amazing events and athletes, the 2024 Paralympics are set to be a fantastic experience!
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