Para athletics is the biggest sport within the Paralympic Movement in terms of the number of participating athletes and countries.
It was one of the eight sports included in the first Paralympic Games held in Rome, in 1960. It has remained on the programme ever since, consistently attracting the biggest crowds and TV audiences.
Male and female athletes with a physical, vision or intellectual impairment are eligible to compete. Athletes compete according to their sport specific classification in each event. Some compete in wheelchairs and some with prostheses, while some vision impaired athletes may be supported by a sighted guide.
The athletics events on the Paralympic programme include:
Please note that not all events are available for all classes in the Paralympic Programme. Paralympic programme events can be seen on p. 250 of the World Para Athletics rules (see link below under DOCUMENTS).
When competing nationally, all events for all classes may be available. Please check with competition organisers before entering.
Most Para athletics events, including discus, javelin, shot put and wheelchair racing, require specific sport equipment. Additionally, athletes may use assistive devices including prosthetics, rope tethers, and acoustic devices.
The prosthetics used have been specifically developed to withstand the demands of competition. Leg prostheses are required in track events, but in field events they are optional.
Rope tethers and other devices may be used by runners with vision impairment to link them to their sighted guides. Acoustic devices (or a sighted ‘caller’) may be used to indicate throwing targets, take-off in jumping events, etc.
World Para Athletics Rules and Regulations February 2023
National
Paralympics Ireland (currently have the responsibility to prepare athletes to compete at all international competitions including European Championships, World Championships, and Paralympic Games)
Any enquiries about the para-athletics programme can be made by sending an email to para-athletics@paralympics.ie
International
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SmRVtp9QF0
