Paralympics Paris 2024

Hey everyone,

Tonight is the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paralympic Games! 

The games will showcase a range of sports, including traditional events like Para Athletics, Para Swimming, and Wheelchair Basketball, as well as others like Blind Football, Goalball, Para Archery, Wheelchair Rugby, and Boccia. Some sports, such as Para Badminton and Para Taekwondo, which debuted at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, will also be part of the competition.

Events will be held in iconic Parisian locations, such as the Eiffel Tower, which will serve as the venue for Blind Football, and Roland Garros, where Wheelchair Tennis will take place. The competition will begin the day after the opening ceremony, with the first medals being awarded in Para Taekwondo, Para Swimming, and Para Cycling​

Organized in parallel to the Olympic Games, to compete in the Paralympics, athletes must meet specific eligibility criteria related to their impairment. The key requirements include:-

1. Eligible Impairments

Athletes must have one of the following ten eligible impairments:

• Impaired muscle power (e.g., spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy)

• Impaired passive range of movement (e.g., joint movement limitations)

• Limb deficiency (e.g., amputation, congenital limb deficiency)

• Leg length difference

• Short stature (e.g., achondroplasia)

• Hypertonia (e.g., cerebral palsy, stroke)

• Ataxia (e.g., brain injury, multiple sclerosis)

• Athetosis (e.g., cerebral palsy, brain injury)

• Vision impairment (e.g., blindness, partial sight)

• Intellectual impairment (for some sports only)

2. Classification System

Athletes are classified based on the type and extent of their impairment to ensure fair competition. The classification system assigns athletes to specific classes within each sport, where they compete against others with similar levels of function.

Examples of categorizations and criteria:-

• Athletics (Track and Field):

  • Classes T/F11-13: Visual impairment.

  • Classes T/F20: Intellectual impairment.

  • Classes T/F31-38: Cerebral palsy and brain injury (with T31-34 being wheelchair athletes and T35-38 ambulant).

  • Classes T/F40-41: Short stature.

  • Classes T/F42-44: Lower limb amputations and impairments.

  • Classes T/F45-47: Upper limb amputations.

  • Classes T/F51-58: Wheelchair racers (spinal cord injuries, amputations, etc.).

• Swimming:

  • Classes S1-S10: Physical impairments (S1 most severe, S10 least severe).

  • Classes S11-S13: Visual impairments (S11 is fully blind, S12-S13 have partial vision).

  • Class S14: Intellectual impairment.

• Wheelchair Basketball:

  • Players are classified on a point system from 1.0 to 4.5 based on their functional abilities (1.0 being the most impaired, 4.5 the least).

• Equestrian Events
  Impairment Types: Athletes must have a permanent, measurable impairment that impacts their ability to perform in able-bodied equestrian sports. Impairments could include limb deficiency, hypertonia (muscle tension), ataxia (lack of coordination), athetosis (uncontrolled movements), or vision impairment.

  • Grade I: Severe impairments affecting all limbs and trunk. Typically, athletes perform in a walk.

  • Grade II: Severe impairments in all limbs but with some upper body control. Performances are mostly in walk, with some trot.

  • Grade III: Moderate impairments in all limbs or severe impairments in the legs. Performances involve walk and trot.

  • Grade IV: Mild impairments in all limbs or moderate impairments in the legs. Performances include walk, trot, and canter.

  • Grade V: Mild impairments affecting one or two limbs, or moderate impairments in the arms or vision. Performances include walk, trot, canter, and lateral work.

  • Horses must be at least 8 years old with the athlete at least 14 years old.

The criteria for participation in the Paralympics Equestrian events, known as Para-Dressage, for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, are governed by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI).

Each sport has its own minimum disability criteria to ensure that only those with a significant impairment can compete. These criteria help to maintain a level playing field within each classification.

4. Age and National Representation

• Age: There is no universal minimum age, but some sports have specific age requirements.

• National Representation: Athletes must be selected and endorsed by their National Paralympic Committee (NPC).

5. Sport-Specific Requirements

Different sports may have additional requirements, such as qualifying times, rankings, or results from specific competitions.

6. Adherence to Rules and Regulations

Athletes must comply with the rules and regulations set by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the relevant international sports federations. This includes anti-doping regulations.

In summary, the Paralympics are open to athletes with a range of physical, intellectual, and visual impairments who meet specific classification and eligibility criteria. These criteria are designed to ensure fair and competitive opportunities for all athletes.