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Ability Status Athletes Take Achievement and Inspiration to New Heights: Watch These Amazing Athletes Compete
The Paralympic Games, often referred to as the Paralympics, is a major international sporting event for athletes with disabilities. Held every four years, it comprises both Summer and Winter Games.
The Paralympics encompass a wide range of sports adapted to suit the abilities of athletes with various disabilities. From wheelchair basketball and swimming to blind football and archery, the Games showcase incredible athleticism and determination.
This year the Paralympics takes place in Paris France August 28 - September 8. Over 4,400 athletes from around the world will compete in 549 medal events across 22 sports.
The Games will take place at some of Paris' most iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Chateau de Versailles, and the Grand Palais. Para athletics will be the largest sport, with up to 1,069 athletes competing in 164 medal events.
The origins of the Paralympics can be traced back to Dr. Ludwig Guttmann, a German neurologist who opened a spinal injuries center at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Great Britain after World War II. Recognizing the therapeutic benefits of sport, he organized sports competitions for his patients. These athletic activities were used as rehabilitation for his clients, giving them hope. These initial games, held in 1948, marked the beginning of what would eventually become the Paralympic Movement.
The first official Paralympic Games took place in Rome in 1960, featuring athletes from 23 countries competing in eight sports. The event's growth has been exponential since then, with the inclusion of Winter Games in 1976 and a steady increase in the number of participating nations and athletes.
To govern the Paralympic Movement, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) was formed in 1982.
Under the IPC's leadership, the Paralympics have become a global phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers and inspiring athletes around the world.
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) plays a pivotal role in organizing and promoting the Paralympic Games on a global scale. As the governing body of the Paralympic Movement, the IPC is responsible for:
- Establishing standards: The IPC sets the standards for Paralympic sports, ensuring consistency and fairness across all competitions.
- Organizing the Paralympic Games: The IPC oversees the organization of the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games, working closely with host countries and national Paralympic committees.
- Promoting the Paralympic Movement: The IPC works to promote the Paralympic Movement globally, raising awareness of the abilities and achievements of Paralympic athletes.
- Supporting National Paralympic Committees: The IPC provides support and resources to National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) around the world, helping them to develop and grow Paralympic sports within their countries.
- Advocating for the rights of athletes with disabilities: The IPC advocates for the rights of athletes with disabilities, working to ensure that they have equal opportunities to participate in sport.
In essence, the IPC serves as the central hub for the Paralympic Movement, coordinating and promoting the Games and ensuring that they are a success on a global scale.
Team USA is poised to make a strong showing at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
There are a few athletes who are expected to be top contenders based on their previous performances:
Para-Cycling:
Oksana Masters (USA): Multitalented athlete who has participated in every Summer and Winter games since 2012 will be competing in para-cycling in Paris
Swimming:
Jessica Long (USA): Paris will be Long's sixth Paralympic Games. At 32 years old, Long has been a part of Team USA since the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games. Outside of Trischa Zorn, Long is known as the second most decorated U.S. Paralympic athlete, earning a total of 29 medals, including three from her debut year.
Para Athletics:
Tatyana McFadden (USA) - One of the most decorated athletes of all time, she has competed in both the summer and winter Paralympic Games. 2024 will be her sixth Olympic games. She is a 20-time Paralympic medalist (8 gold, 8 silver, 4 bronze),
Nyle Carter (USA): A Paralympic gold medalist in sprinting.
Hunter Woodhall (USA): Paralympic medalist in sprinting
Para Table Tennis:
Tahl Leibovitz (USA): Has played Table Tennis for over 25 years and is a 6-time Paralympian; 3-time Paralympic medalist (1 gold, 2 bronze).
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