Powerchair Football
Electric Wheelchair Hockey

Alpine Skiing
Ice Sledge Hockey
Nordic Skiing
Wheelchair Curling

Powerchair Football, called power soccer in the United States, is the most exciting, new, and dynamic sport in development for athletes with disabilities using power wheelchairs. It is an extremely competitive sport that has been ongoing for over 20 years, but is just now exploding nationally and internationally. This action packed team sport combines the skill of the athlete with the speed and power of the wheelchair itself. The game is played in a gymnasium using the boundaries of a regulation basketball court. Two teams of 4 attack, defend, and maneuver an oversized soccer ball using specialized foot guards attached to the wheelchairs, in an attempt to score points on a goal. Power soccer is a fast paced competitive sport in which the athletes display their passing, dribbling, defending, and goal scoring skills individually and as a team. The First World Cup, including over 10 representative nations, will be held in October 2007 in Tokyo, Japan in an effort to move powerchair football (power soccer) towards inclusion in the Paralympics.

Power Hockey™ is wheelchair hockey specifically for persons requiring the use of an electric (power) wheelchair during daily life. The sport follows the same core rules of a standard ice hockey league but is modified to the ability of the players and is played on an indoor basketball court to provide traction for the wheelchairs. The sport is played five-on-five and is currently played in several countries worldwide. The most recent international competition was the PowerHockey Cup, held in Alberta, Canada in August, 2006.





Two Alpine Skiing events (Slalom and Giant Slalom) were introduced at the first Paralympic Winter Games in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden, in 1976. Athletes in Alpine Skiing events must combine speed and agility while racing down slopes at speeds of around 100km/h. There are four events on the Paralympic Programme: Downhill, Super-G, Giant Slalom and Slalom. Paralympic competition accommodates male and female athletes with a physical disability such as spinal injury, cerebral palsy, amputation, les autres conditions and blindness/visual impairment. Athletes compete in three categories based on their functional ability, and a results calculation system allows athletes with different disabilities to compete against each other. Alpine Skiing is governed by the IPC with co-ordination by the IPC Alpine Skiing Technical Committee and the rules of the International Ski Federation (FIS) are used with only a few modifications. Skiers with blindness/visual impairment are guided through the course by sighted guides using voice signals to indicate the course to follow. Athletes with physical disabilities use equipment that is adapted to their needs including single ski, sit-ski or orthopaedic aids. Alpine Skiing is currently practiced by athletes in 35 countries and is steadily growing.

Ice Sledge Hockey is the Paralympic version of Ice Hockey. Since its debut on the Paralympic Programme at the Lillehammer 1994 Winter Paralympics, it has quickly become one of the largest attractions for spectators at the Winter Paralympics. It is fast-paced, highly physical and played by male athletes with a physical disability in the lower part of the body. In 2006, Ice Sledge Hockey is practiced by athletes in 12 countries and is governed by the IPC with co-ordination by the IPC Ice Hockey Technical Committee. It follows the rules of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) with modifications. Instead of skates, players use two-blade sledges that allow the puck to pass beneath. Players use two sticks, which have a spike-end for pushing and a blade-end for shooting.

Cross-Country Skiing appeared at the 1976 Winter Games in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden. The competition is open to athletes with a physical disability and blindness/visual impairment. Depending on functional disability, a competitor uses a sit-ski, a chair equipped with a pair of skis. Athletes with blindness/visual impairment compete in the event with a sighted guide. Male and female athletes compete in short distance, middle distance and long distance (ranging from 2.5km to 20km) or participate in a team relay using classical or free techniques. Cross Country Skiing is governed by the IPC with co-ordination by the IPC Nordic Skiing Technical Committee following modified rules of the International Ski Federation (FIS) and in 2006, is practiced by athletes in 24 countries.



Biathlon was introduced in Innsbruck in 1988 (for athletes with a physical disability). In 1992, athletes with a visual impairment were also able to compete in Biathlon. The competition is open to athletes with a physical disability and blindness/visual impairment. It consists of a 7.5km route divided into three 2.5km stages. Between the two stages athletes must hit two targets located at a distance of 10 metres. Each miss is penalized by an increase in the overall route time. The most important success factor lies in the capability of alternating the skills of physical endurance and shooting accuracy during the competition. Athletes with blindness/visual impairment are assisted by acoustic signals, which depending on signal intensity, indicate when the athlete is on target. The sport is governed by the IPC with co-ordination by the IPC Nordic Skiing Technical Committee following the modified rules of the International Biathlon Union (IBU).



Wheelchair Curling is a game of great skill and strategy. The first World Cup in Curling for wheelchair players was held in January 2000 in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Wheelchair Curling had its debut at the Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games. The sport is open to male and female athletes with a physical disability in the lower part of the body. This includes athletes with significant impairments in lower leg/gait function (eg, spinal injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, double leg amputation, etc), who require a wheelchair for daily mobility. Each team must be comprised of male and female players. It is governed by and played according to the rules of the World Curling Federation (WCF), with only one modification - no sweeping. In 2006, Wheelchair Curling is practiced by athletes in over 20 countries.







Persons with a mobility-related disability began their involvement in Archery 50 years ago. At the beginning however, just like other sports, it was used as an activity for rehabilitation and leisure. The first Archery competition for persons with a disability was held at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital in 1948. Since then, the development of the sport has been rapid. New technology for bows, changes in the rules and the ever-increasing interest of people have made the sport accessible to more athletes and at the same time more exciting. In 2006, 37 countries compete in Archery but the number is still growing. Archery was one of the original Paralympic Sports contested in Rome in 1960 and is a test of accuracy, strength and concentration. The sport is open to athletes with a physical disability (including spinal injury, cerebral palsy, amputee and les autres) in three functional classes. It comprises of individual and team events, standing and wheelchair competitions. Competitors shoot at a target marked with ten scoring zones, from a set distance. The governing body is the IPC with co-ordination from the IPC Archery Technical Committee, which follows the rules of FITA (the international governing body for able-bodied Archery) with a few minor modifications as detailed in the IPC Archery rulebook.

The speed of a sprinter, the strength of a thrower, the power of a jumper and the endurance of a distance runner are what draw the crowds to Athletics. The track and field events at the Paralympic Games attract the largest number of athletes and spectators. They offer a wide range of competitions and the largest number of events. Athletics has been part of the Paralympic Games since 1960 and events are open to male and female athletes in all disability groups. Advances in technology and athletes' dedication to the sport have made once unimaginable feats become realities. Some compete in wheelchairs, others with prostheses and athletes with blindness/visual impairment compete with the guidance of a sighted companion. Athletes compete according to their functional classifications in each event and these events are continually being redefined to include as many athletes as possible.
Athletics includes:

sprint (100m, 200m, 400m), middle distance (800m, 1500m), long distance (5,000m, 10,000m) and relay races (4x100m, 4x400m)
Marathon
High Jump, Long Jump and Triple jump
Discus, Shot Put, Javelin
Pentathlon (track and road events, jumping events and throwing events, depending on the athletes' classification).

In 2007, Athletics is practiced by athletes in 107 countries and governed by the IPC with co-ordination from the IPC Athletics Sports Manager and Technical Committee.

Boccia is a test of muscle control and accuracy, requiring high focus and concentration. The goal of the sport is to throw/bowl game balls so they land as close as possible to a special target ball, the 'jack'. Boccia is practiced in 42 countries and is open to athletes with cerebral palsy or related neurological conditions using a wheelchair. It has been developed for many years as a leisure activity and as a competitive sport and it was introduced at the New York 1984 Paralympic Games. Boccia has no counterpart in the Olympic programme. All events are mixed gender and feature individual, pair and team competitions for a total of seven medal events. The game consists of four rounds, in individuals and pairs, and of six rounds in the team division. It is played on a marked court, usually with a hard surface. Boccia is governed by the International Boccia Commission, a committee of the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association (CPISRA).



Bowls is an IPC Championship sport widely practiced in 15 countries. Although it is no longer included in the Paralympic Games programme, regular multi-disability World Championships are conducted. Bowls is practiced by both male and female athletes with a physical disability. The game is played on a level, grassed or synthetic surface called a green between two competitors or teams consisting of two, three or four players. The aim is to throw one's ball as close as possible to a white ball called a jack. Bowls is governed by the IPC through the International Paralympic Bowls Committee.





The speed and excitement inherent in all Cycling competitions is relatively new for athletes with a disability. The sport began to be developed by blind cyclists who first competed using tandem bicycles. Cycling was introduced as a Paralympic Sport in Seoul in 1988 and is now practiced in more than 40 countries. Today in addition to athletes with blindness/visual impairment, cyclists with cerebral palsy, amputations or other physical disabilities can participate in classes depending on their degree of function and the skills required for Cycling. Depending on their classification, athletes use a bicycle, tricycle, tandem or hand cycle. The competition programme includes Track and Road events for individuals and teams with Sprints, Individual Pursuits, 1,000m Time Trial, Road Races and Road Time Trials. Events are for both men and women, with the cyclists grouped together according to their functional ability. Paralympic Cycling is not an adapted sport and the technical regulations of the International Cycling Union (UCI) are used at all Cycling competitions. There are specific IPC Cycling rules that allow for adaptations to cycles and equipment as necessary, for reasons of safety. From January 2007, Cycling for riders with a disability is governed by the International Cycling Union (UCI).

Although used for many years for rehabilitation and recreation, Equestrian as a sport was included in the programme of the Paralympic Games for the first time in Atlanta in 1996. Equestrian is a multi-disability sport, open to athletes with a physical disability or a visual impairment. Events are mixed and grouped according to their functional profiles. Riders compete in two Dressage events; a Championship Test of set movements and a Freestyle Test to music. There is also a Team Test for three to four riders per team. Competitors are judged on their display of horsemanship skills as they ride their horse using a series of commands for walk, trot and canter. Riders may use permitted assistive devices such as dressage crops, a connecting rein bar, rubber bands or other aids. Since 2006, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) is the governing body.





Anyone who has tried to play Football will tell you that it is not as easy as the professionals make it look. Add to it the fact that players cannot see the ball, their opponents or the goal and you have an extremely exciting game. Football 5-a-Side is open to athletes with blindness/visual impairment, with the possibility of one sighted player as the goalkeeper. There are five players per team and each game lasts 50 minutes. Rules are the same as able-bodied Football with certain modifications; the ball makes a noise when it moves, the goalkeepers may be sighted and act as guides during the game, the rest of the team uses eye shades to ensure fairness, there are five players on a team rather than 11, the field of play measurements are smaller and there is no offside rule. The game consists of two halves of 25 minutes each. The Football Subcommittee of the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) governs this sport, following modified rules of the International Federation of Associated Football (FIFA). In 2006, it is practiced by athletes in 21 countries. The first national Football 5-a-Side Championships took place in Spain in 1986. Since then the sport has developed rapidly around the world and made its debut at the ATHENS 2004 Paralympic Games.

Football is one of the world's most exciting sports and the 7-a-Side version is no exception, combining speed, agility and impressive ball handling. This sport has been officially part of the Paralympic Programme since the New York/Stoke Mandeville Games in 1984. The sport is governed by the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association (CPISRA) and follows the rules of the International Federation of Associated Football (FIFA), with some modifications. There are seven players on the field rather than 11, the measurements of the playing field are smaller, there is no offside rule and throw-ins may be made with only one hand. This sport is intended for athletes with cerebral palsy and a ratio of players from varying levels of disability must be maintained. The match consists of two halves of 30 minutes each. In 2006, five regions compete in international competition and the number of countries continues to grow.

Goalball is exclusively a sport for athletes with blindness/visual impairment. It was invented in 1946 in an effort to rehabilitate the blind veterans from World War II and was introduced to the world in 1976 at the Paralympics in Toronto. Goalball competitions are set apart from all other Paralympic events due to the unique atmosphere inside the playing venue. The object is to roll the ball into the opponent's goal while the opposing players try to block the ball with their body. Bells inside the ball help to orient the players indicating the direction of the on-coming ball. Therefore, while play is in progress, complete silence is required in the venue to allow the players to concentrate and react instantly to the ball. Goalball is played by male and female athletes with blindness/visual impairment and athletes wear "blackout" masks on the playing court, which allows persons with varying degrees of vision to participate together. The game consists of two halves of 10 minutes each. The governing body of Goalball is the International Blind Sport Federation (IBSA) and in 2006, the sport is played in around 51 countries worldwide.

Judo is a sport that demands a physical and strategic performance, testing the qualities of strength, touch, balance and sensitivity. Firstly, it was a martial art activity for practising mobility-related skills, self-confidence, self-discipline and independence but was gradually established at a competitive level. Judo was included on the Paralympic Programme for the Seoul 1988 Paralympic Games. The sport is widely practiced in over 30 countries by both male and female athletes. The ATHENS 2004 Paralympics was the first time that women"s weight categories were offered in Judo. Competitors must use different techniques to overcome or immobilize their opponent. The sport is open to athletes with blindness/visual impairment in several weight categories. The contest lasts five minutes, for both men and women and the winner is the athlete who scores an ippon or who scores the greater number of points. The sport is governed by the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) and follows the International Judo Federation (IJF) rules used at other top-level, able-bodied judo events, with slight modifications for athletes with a visual impairment, which allow them contact with their opponent before the start of the match.

Powerlifting for athletes with a disability made its first appearance in 1964 at the second Paralympic Games in Tokyo as "Weightlifting". Only men with spinal injuries participated with slightly different rules than are used today. Later it changed from "Weightlifting" to "Powerlifting" and now the competition is open to all athletes with cerebral palsy, spinal injuries, amputees (lower limb amputees only) and les autres who meet minimal disability criteria. Women competed in this sport for the first time in Sydney in 2000. Powerlifting is the ultimate test of upper body strength. Competitors must lower the bar to the chest, hold it motionless on the chest and then press it upwards to arms length with locked elbows. The bench press is the only discipline with 10 different categories based on body weight. The athletes are given three attempts and the winner is the athlete who lifts the highest number of kilograms. Powerlifting is governed by the IPC and co-ordinated by the IPC Powerlifting Technical Committee, founded in 1989, and in 2006, is practiced in 115 countries.

Rowing is the youngest sport in the Paralympic Games. It was introduced to the Paralympic Programme in 2005 and will hold its first Paralympic competitions at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. Adaptive Rowing is Rowing or Sculling for athletes with a disability who meet the criteria as set out in the Adaptive Rowing classification regulations. "Adaptive" implies that the equipment is "adapted" to the user to practice the sport, rather than the sport being "adapted" to the user. The International Rowing Federation (FISA) is the sole world governing body for Rowing. Adaptive Rowing is open to male and female athletes, and is divided into four boat classes which are included in FISA's World Championship programme: LTA4+, TA2x, AW1x and AM1x.The LTA4+ and TA2x are mixed gender boats. Races are held over 1,000m for all four events (although LTA4+ was raced over 2,000m until the FISA 2005 World Rowing Championships).

Sailing is a relatively recent sport at the Paralympic Games. The Atlanta 1996 Paralympic Games introduced Sailing as a demonstration sport, leading to its acceptance as a full medal sport at the Sydney 2000 Paralympics. This sport is open to athletes with an amputation, cerebral palsy, blindness/visual impairment, spinal injuries and les autres. The Sailing classification system is based on four factors - stability, hand function, mobility and vision. Athletes compete in three events, which are non-gender specified: The Single-Person and Three-Person Keelboats are open to most disability groups, while the Two-Person Keelboat event is specifically designed for athletes with a severe disability. The sport is governed by the International Association for Disabled Sailing (IFDS), which closely co-operates with the International Sailing Federation (World Governing Body for Sailing). The sport has grown rapidly and in 2006 has over 50 countries active in Sailing for persons with a disability at a development and national competition level.

Shooting has been part of the Paralympic Games since Toronto in 1976 and in 2006, is practiced in 51 countries. Shooting is a test of accuracy and control, in which competitors use pistols or rifles to fire a series of shots at a stationary target. Competitions at the Paralympic Games are open to all athletes with a physical disability. There are two classes of competition, wheelchair and standing. Athletes compete in Rifle and Pistol events from distances of 10, 25 and 50m, in men's, women's and mixed competitions. Shooting utilizes a functional classification system, which enables athletes from different disability classes to compete together either individually or in teams. Shooting is governed by the IPC and co-ordinated by the IPC Shooting Technical Committee following the modified rules of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF). These rules take into account the differences that exist between Shooting for the able-bodied and Shooting for persons with a disability.

Since the first Paralympic Games in Rome in 1960, Swimming has been one of the main sports of the Paralympics. As in the Olympic Games, competitors measure their skills in Freestyle, Backstroke, Butterfly, Breaststroke and Medley events. In 2006, athletes from more than 80 countries practice the sport, with male and female competitors having either a physical disability or blindness/visual impairment. Athletes are classified based on their functional ability to perform each stroke. The governing body is the IPC and co-ordinated by the IPC Swimming Technical Committee, which incorporates the rules of the International Swimming Federation (FINA). The FINA rules are followed with a few modifications, such as optional platform or in-water starts for some races and the use of signals or "tappers" for swimmers with blindness/visual impairment; however, no prostheses or assistive devices are permitted.

Table Tennis was included in the first Paralympic Games in 1960 and is practiced in 2006 by athletes from 104 different countries. Athletes from all disability groups (with the exception of athletes with blindness/visual impairment) participate and compete in Table Tennis in standing and sitting classes. Men and women competing individually, in doubles, as well as in team events. A match comprises five sets of 11 points each and the winner is the player or pair winning three of the five sets. The governing body for Table Tennis is the IPC through the IPC Table Tennis Technical Committee. The rules of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) also apply to the Paralympic Table Tennis competitions with slight modifications regarding the serve rules for athletes competing in a wheelchair.

The Volleyball (sitting) event was introduced at the Arnhem 1980 Paralympics. Volleyball is governed by the World Organization for Volleyball for the Disabled (WOVD). In 2006, there are athletes from 48 countries practicing the sport. A high level of teamwork, skill, strategy and intensity is needed in Volleyball. Each team's goal is to pass the ball over the net and to touch the ball on the ground of the opposing team's side. Male and female athletes with a physical disability are eligible to participate and must fulfil the conditions of a minimum degree of disability. Teams consist of mixed classes in male and female events, with six on court at one time. At all times the athlete's pelvis must touch the ground and the service block is allowed. Because Sitting Volleyball requires a smaller court (10m x 6m) and lower net, the game is considerably faster than the standing event. The game lasts up to five sets and the winning team is the first to win three sets. The team winning the set is the one to reaches 25 points, with at least a two-point lead.

Wheelchair Basketball was originally developed by World War II veterans in the USA in 1945/1946. At the same time, Sir Ludwig Guttmann developed a similar sport named Wheelchair Netball at the Spinal Rehabilitation Hospital at Stoke Mandeville, Great Britain, to aid the rehabilitation of war veterans. When the US Wheelchair Basketball team, the Pan Am Jets, competed for the first time at the International Stoke Mandeville Games in 1955, there were no backboards owing to the British sport being Netball. This was amended for the following year's Games. Since then, the sport has developed worldwide and was introduced to the Paralympic Programme in Rome in 1960. It is one of the most popular sports in the Paralympic Games. It is designed for athletes who have a physical disability that prevents running, jumping and pivoting. Wheelchair Basketball is open to male or female athletes and is played by two teams of five players each. Depending on their functional abilities a point value from 0.5 (most severely disabled) to 4.5 is given to each player. Five players out of 12 from each team are on the court during playtime and throughout the game the total point value of each team must not exceed 14 points. The aim of each team is to score into the opponents' basket and to prevent the other team from gaining control of the ball or scoring. The measurements of the court and the height of the baskets are the same as in able-bodied Basketball. The International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) is the world governing body for Wheelchair Basketball, and in 2006, the sport is practiced by athletes in 77 countries.

Elegance, style and rhythm lead to a winning dance routine. Wheelchair Dance Sport involves athletes with a physical disability that affects the lower limbs. Wheelchair dancers may participate in "combi"-style dancing with an able-bodied (standing) partner or duo-dance for two wheelchair users together. Standard dances include the waltz, tango, Viennese waltz, slow foxtrot and quickstep. Latin-American dances include the samba, cha-cha-cha, rumba, paso doble and jive. There are also Formation dances for four, six or eight couples dancing in formation. In 1977, the first international competition in Wheelchair Dance Sport took place in Sweden. After several regional and international competitions, the first World Championships were organized in Japan in 1998. The same year, Wheelchair Dance Sport became an IPC Championship Sport, but is not part of the Paralympic programme today. It is governed by the International Paralympic Wheelchair Dance Sport Committee (IPWDSC) following the modified rules of the International Dance Sport Federation (IDSF) and is widely practiced by athletes in 19 countries.

Wheelchair Fencing was developed by Sir Ludwig Guttmann at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital. It was introduced at the 1960 Paralympic Games in Rome and there are 24 countries practicing Wheelchair Fencing in 2006. From a spectator's point of view, the most striking feature of Wheelchair Fencing is the fact that athletes compete in wheelchairs that are fastened to the floor. However, these chairs allow the fencers freedom of movement in the upper body only and the activity is as fast-paced as in Fencing competitions for able-bodied. Men and women with an amputation, spinal injury or cerebral palsy are eligible to compete in events including Foil, Epée (men and women) and Sabre (men). The official governing body is the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS).

Wheelchair Rugby was developed in Canada during the 1970s by athletes with quadriplegia. At the Atlanta 1996 Paralympic Games it was presented as a demonstration sport and it was officially included on the Paralympic Programme at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games. In 2006, it is practiced by 22 countries. Wheelchair Rugby is an intense, physical team sport for male and female athletes with quadriplegia (tetraplegia). The sport can be very physical as athletes attempt to carry the ball over the opponent's goal line. Depending on their functional abilities, athletes are placed into one of seven sport classes from 0.5 (most severely disabled) to 3.5 is given to each player. During the game, the total value of all the players on the court for a team cannot exceed eight points. Two teams of four players compete for four periods of eight minutes each. Wheelchair Rugby is governed internationally by the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation (IWRF), which is a committee of the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS).

Wheelchair Tennis appeared for the first time on the Paralympic Programme in Barcelona in 1992. It originated from the USA in the 1970s and continues to develop a strong following of players and fans internationally. The game follows able-bodied Tennis rules and athletes must have high levels of skill, fitness and strategy. The only difference in Wheelchair Tennis competitions is that the ball is allowed to bounce two times - the first bounce being within the bounds of the court. Athletes must have a permanent substantial or total loss of function in one or both legs. For the quad division the eligibility criteria require that a player has a disability in three or more limbs. The events are singles (between two players) and doubles (between two pairs). The winner of a match is the first athlete or pair to win two sets. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) is the governing body for Wheelchair Tennis. In 2006, Wheelchair Tennis is practiced by athletes in over 70 countries.