1. International Paralympic Committee
The Paralympic Games

2. International Paralympic Committee
IPC (just like IOC)
The word “Paralympic” derives from Greek “para” (meaning beside) and then word Olympics (since the Paralympics are parallel to the Olympics

3. Purpose of the IPC
Committed to enabling Paralympic athletes to achieve sporting excellence
They also develop sport opportunities for all persons with a disability from beginner to elite

4. The Paralympic Values
Courage
Determination
Inspiration
Equality

5. The Paralympic Mission
“To Enable Paralympic Athletes to Achieve Sporting Excellence and Inspire and Excite the World”

6. The Paralympic Motto “Spirit in Motion”
The strong will of each Paralympian, the elite performances and the spirit behind the meaning of sport

7. The Paralympic Flag
Three colours – red, blue and green, that are most widely represented in national flags around the world
The symbol appears in motion, with three “Agitos” encircling a centre point
This emphasizes bringing athletes from all over the world together and enabling them to compete

8. The IPC and IOC
Partnership started in 1988 after the Seoul Olympic Games.
Since then, the Paralympics have been held in the same city and venues as the Olympics

9. History of Sport for Persons with a Disability
Sport for people with a disability has existed for over 100 years
Particularly after World War I and II, sports therapy became highly important
This assisted the medical and mental needs for injured ex-soldiers
This created a sense of new and great possibilities for injured persons

10. Paralympic Sports Track and Field Swimming Goalball Seated Volleyball
Sledge Hockey
Wheelchair Basketball
Wheelchair Rugby
Hand cycling
Wheelchair Track & Field
Diving
Rowing
Kayak/Canoe
Blind Sailing
Wheelchair Curling
Many others!

11. Photos of other Paralympic Sports

12. Levels of Disability Can be VERY confusing at first!
Athletes compete within their gender and their disability level.
For example, blind athletes compete against other blind athletes, Single leg amputees compete against other single leg amputees, etc

13. Five Categories of Disability
Amputee – one major joint on limb missing
Athletes with cerebral palsy
Visual impairment or blindness
Wheelchair athletes
Les Autres or “the others” – meaning disabilities not covered in the previous four categories (dwarfism, etc).

14. Examples of Classification in Visually Impaired Sports
Sport: Five-A-Side Football, Goalball, Judo
B1 – no ability to perceive light or inability to recognize the shape of a hand
B2 – recognize the shape of a hand with 2/60 vision or field of vision less than 5 degrees
B3 – standard vision between 2/60 and 6/60 and field of vision greater than 5 degrees and less than 20 degrees.

15. Example of Classification System in Athletics (Track & Field)
T11-13: varying levels of visual impairment
T32-38: different levels of cerebral palsy in wheelchairs, walk/run
T40-46: varying amputations and Les Autres
T51-58: different levels of spinal cord injuries and/or amputations