What are Paralympic Games? | General Knowledge Encyclopedia - Class 8 PDF Download

Introduction

The Paralympic Games are global athletic events designed for individuals with disabilities. These games occur in close proximity to the Olympic Games, often in the same host city. The term "Paralympics" symbolizes its connection to the Olympics, as it translates to "alongside the Olympics."

Athletes

• Athletes from various nations participate in the Paralympics. Among them are individuals who have faced spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis or amputations, relying on wheelchairs or prostheses for mobility. 
• Some competitors have visual impairments or blindness, while others have conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, affecting their physical abilities. Additionally, certain events may include athletes with intellectual disabilities. 
• The Special Olympics are a separate organization in which these athletes with intellectual disabilities take part.

Organization

• Since 1989, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), headquartered in Germany, has been responsible for coordinating the Paralympic Games. 
• One of its primary objectives is to support athletes with disabilities in reaching their highest potential in sports. Additionally, the IPC aims to foster greater global appreciation and admiration for people with disabilities.

Events

• During the Summer Paralympic Games, participants engage in over a dozen sports, including archery, track and field (athletics), cycling, rowing, sitting volleyball, soccer, swimming, table tennis, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair fencing. At the Winter Paralympic Games, athletes compete in sports like ice sledge hockey, skiing, wheelchair curling, and other cold-weather activities.
• Competitors in the Paralympics are grouped according to their similar abilities. Many events involve the use of prostheses or wheelchairs, but specific sports like swimming and sitting volleyball prohibit their usage. Certain events may require specialized equipment, such as low sledges for ice hockey players. Moreover, athletes with visual disabilities may receive guidance from guides to assist them during competitions.

History

• The roots of the Paralympics can be traced back to 1948, when Dr. Ludwig Guttmann organized a sports competition in the UK for war veterans who had lost the use of their legs during World War II. This event coincided with the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in London.
• The inaugural Paralympic Games took place in 1960 in Rome, and since then, the Summer Paralympics have been held every four years. The Winter Paralympic Games started in 1976 in Sweden and have also been held every four years. It was not until 1988 (Summer Games) and 1992 (Winter Games) that the Paralympics were hosted in the same city as the Olympics. 
• Prior to 1989, different organizations were responsible for organizing the Paralympics, but the International Paralympic Committee was established that year to centralize and oversee the event.