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What is the Paralympic Games?
What to Know About This International Multisport Event
Defining the Paralympic Games
The Paralympic Games, also known as the Games of the Paralympiad, is a global sporting event held every four years for athletes with disabilities.
“Paralympic” comes from the Greek words “para” (beside or alongside) and “Olympic,” symbolizing the parallel nature of the event to the Olympic Games.
History of the Paralympic Games
The first Paralympic Games, then called the Stoke Mandeville Games, were held in 1948 in Stoke Mandeville, England, as a competition for World War II veterans with spinal cord injuries.
The games grew rapidly, and by the 1960s, they had become an international event known as the Paralympic Games.
The Paralympic Movement Today
The Paralympic Games are now one of the world's largest sporting events, with over 4,000 athletes from over 160 countries competing in 22 sports.
The games are governed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), which is responsible for organizing and regulating the event.
Purpose of the Paralympic Games
The Paralympic Games aim to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in sport and society.
The games provide athletes with disabilities the opportunity to compete at the highest level and inspire people worldwide to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
What Makes the Paralympic Games Unique?
The Paralympic Games are unique in several ways:
- Focus on ability: The Paralympic Games focus on the abilities of athletes with disabilities rather than their disabilities.
- Diversity of sports: The Paralympic Games include a wide range of sports, from track and field to swimming to wheelchair basketball.
- Global participation: The Paralympic Games are a truly global event, with athletes from all over the world competing.
Benefits of the Paralympic Games
The Paralympic Games have many benefits, including:
- Promoting inclusion: The Paralympic Games help to break down barriers and promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in society.
- Inspiring achievement: The Paralympic Games inspire people with disabilities to achieve their goals and overcome challenges.
- Raising awareness: The Paralympic Games raise awareness of the abilities of people with disabilities and the need for greater accessibility and inclusion.
Criticism of the Paralympic Games
The Paralympic Games have also faced some criticism, including:
- Commercialization: Some critics argue that the Paralympic Games have become too commercialized and that the focus has shifted away from the athletes and their achievements.
- Segregation: Others argue that the Paralympic Games segregate athletes with disabilities from able-bodied athletes, reinforcing the idea that they are different.
- Funding: The Paralympic Games often receive less funding and media attention than the Olympic Games, which can limit the opportunities for athletes with disabilities to compete and train.
Conclusion
The Paralympic Games are a unique and inspiring event that celebrates the abilities of athletes with disabilities.
Despite some criticisms, the Paralympic Games continue to promote inclusion, inspire achievement, and raise awareness of the need for greater accessibility and inclusion.