Introduction
Athletics consists of track and field events and has been an official competition at the Paralympic Games since the inaugural Games in Rome in 1960. It is one of the Paralympic sports with the widest range of event categories and classifications. Each classification within the same event also follows specific competition rules and regulations.
Classification
Para athletics classifications include athletes with visual impairment, intellectual impairment, cerebral palsy, short stature, lower limb impairment, upper limb impairment, and those who compete in wheelchairs. Athletes with intellectual impairment are classified as T20 for track events and F20 for field events. The numbering indicates the type and degree of impairment — lower numbers represent a higher level of impairment.
Competition
All para athletics competitions are held in standard athletics stadiums. Track events may consist of up to three rounds — heats, semifinals, and finals — depending on the number of participants.
For more details, please visit the World Para Athletics website of the International Paralympic Committee.
(World Para Athletics hyperlink: https://www.paralympic.org/athletics)
Introduction
Swimming has been an official competition event since the first Paralympic Games held in Rome in 1960. It is a full-body exercise suitable for athletes with different types of disabilities, featuring four main strokes: freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly, and backstroke.
Classification
Para swimming classifications include athletes with visual impairment, physical impairment, and intellectual impairment. Athletes with intellectual impairment compete in class 14 and are further classified by function: S14 for freestyle, backstroke, and butterfly; SB14 for breaststroke; and SM14 for individual medley. In general, higher classification numbers indicate a lower degree of impairment.
Competition
All Paralympic swimming events must be held in pools that meet the standards set by World Aquatics (formerly FINA). Depending on their impairment, swimmers may start from the starting blocks or from within the water with one hand touching the wall. Events are divided by classification and include men’s and women’s individual races across all strokes, relays, and individual medley events.
For more information, please visit the World Para Swimming website of the International Paralympic Committee.
(World Para Swimming hyperlink: https://www.paralympic.org/swimming)
Introduction
Table tennis has been a Paralympic sport since the first Paralympic Games in Rome in 1960. It is a fast-paced sport that demands quick reflexes and adaptability, making it suitable for athletes with a wide range of disabilities.
Classification
Para table tennis is divided into three main groups with a total of eleven classes: wheelchair classes (TT1–TT5), standing classes (TT6–TT10), and an intellectual impairment class (TT11). Except for the intellectual impairment class, lower class numbers in the other two groups indicate a higher degree of impairment.
Competition
Para table tennis competitions follow the rules of the International Table Tennis Federation, with certain adaptations and modifications to accommodate wheelchair events.
For more information, please visit the International Table Tennis Federation website.
(International Table Tennis Federation hyperlink: https://www.ittf.com/para-table-tennis)