As part of our advocacy, #OneAccesibility, we will share information about differently-abled persons and profile one location with accessible trails. Look out every week for this enlightening post.
The Paralympic Games commonly called the Paralympics bring together athletes from around the world, with different abilities, such as those with paraplegia, quadriplegia, muscular dystrophy, and more, to compete in their chosen sport. Many of these athletes may have inactive limbs, or limb deficiencies such as leg length differences, short stature, visual impairments, or developmental delays.
The Paralympic Games are overseen by the International Paralympic Committee.
Originally the Paralympics began as a small group of British World War II veterans in 1948 and became one of the largest international events of the 21st century. The Paralympics began with 400 athletes from 23 countries in1960, to thousands of candidates from over 100 countries by 2012. Paralympians strive for balanced treatment with non-disabled Olympic athletes, although the financial support is much greater for the traditional Olympics
In the Paralympic Games, Swimming is especially beneficial for the athletes, as the water permits them to move freely, an important experience for anyone with different abilities, especially quadriplegics. It also allows for confidence building. Swimming facilitates mobility in the joints and stimulates circulation and breathing. The competitions in Paralympics at both national and international levels, cover all swimming techniques, are performed on stretches of between 25m and 400m, and as individual and relay races.
Pakistan first participated at the Paralympic Games in 1992 and has sent athletes to compete in every Summer Paralympic Games since 1992. Pakistan has won two medals, a silver, and a bronze medal in the Paralympic Games, both medals coming courtesy of Haider Ali in the Men’s Long Jump event at the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing and the 2016 Rio Summer Paralympics.
Special Olympics Pakistan and Ida Rieu College For Blind And Deaf Karachi are doing remarkable work to train players for Paralympics.
Games or Sports are so significant for people with different abilities because it builds an environment that allows differently-abled people to expand crucial life skills. Participation in games or sports teaches about teamwork, coalition, struggling towards goals, and handling defeats and disappointments. Squad sports also encourage people with different abilities to improve and develop leadership and administrative skills.
Are there any inclusive gyms in your area? Do mention them in the comments section below !
If you have a question, suggestion or contribution, feel free to comment below. You can read last week’s roundup article here and check the list of our other articles under “Accessibility Uncovered”.