Sport Profiles
Paralympic Sport Overview
The majority of Paralympic sports have originated from able-bodied sport, with slight modifications to the rules. What makes Paralympic sport truly unique is the classification system. This system is used to match athletes of similar disability, with the intention of creating a level playing field where the winner is the best athlete, not necessarily the least disabled.
In the past, athletes with a disability have generally competed separately from able-bodied athletes in the same sport. However in recent times, a logical shift has been made towards the integration of athletes with a disability with their able-bodied counterparts. This has been an important step in raising awareness and recognition of the talent, commitment and dedication Paralympic athletes must have to achieve success. It is no different to the expectations placed on able-bodied athletes.
Following the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games the APC took another step forward by adopting a policy of mainstreaming, which sees mainstream sports being responsible for the preparation of their athletes to Paralympic level. Sports the APC currently has a mainstreaming agreement with include: Athletics; Cycling; Basketball; Yachting; Table Tennis; Tennis; Swimming; Football; Rowing; Equestrian and Shooting.
