Special Olympics summer games Athens 2011

Our nation will host the biggest sporting event worldwide for the year 2011.

The Special Olympics World Summer Games ATHENS 2011.

 

The only games in the world, where all participating athletes are Winners.
Winners in their struggle for our respect in their diversity.
Winners in their struggle for self-esteem.
Winners in their struggle to defend their special abilities.

From June 25 to July 4 2011 in Athens, 7,500 Special Olympics Athletes from 185 nations will compete in 22 Olympic-type sports.

Tickets

On the evening of the 25th of June, the hearts of the Greek people will beat as one at the Kallimarmaron Panathenaikon Stadium! The Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Summer Games ATHENS 2011 will signal the beginning of the greatest athletic, cultural, educational and humanistic event of 2011, whereas on the evening of the 4th of July, 10 days later, we will celebrate one last time. The feeling of satisfaction born by the completion of an important mission will meet with the smile of hope and optimism for the future. The emotion of the Closing Ceremony will bring to life once again the Kallimarmaron Panathenaikon Stadium.

 

For more information and reservations please visit:

www.ticketnet.gr

 

 The Hellenic Paralympic Committee (HPC) is the authority responsible for the development and promotion of the Paralympic Movement in Greece. It oversees the selection and formation of the Hellenic Teams that represent Greece at the Paralympic Games. It promotes the Paralympic movement in Greece and offers incentives to people with a disability and encourages especially young people to get actively involved in sports and athletic activities.

The HPC offers opportunities for people with a disability to reach their maximum athletic potential and achieve excellence in sport inspiring through their achievements. Supporting a wide range of activities from recreational sport to high performance athleticism for people with a disability, the Hellenic Paralympic Committee strives to offer encourage and support people with a disability to take part in sports and feel the joy of sport. Through this process it supports the socialization and the equal integration of persons with a disability into Greek society.

 

Paralympic Sports

Sumer Sports

Wheelchair Tennis

Wheelchair Tennis is a spectacular sport that enjoys great popularity during the Paralympic Games. To compete at a high level successfully, athletes must develop technique, stamina, persistence, speed and reflexes. Among Wheelchair Tennis athletes, a Paralympic medal is considered as the highest distinction.

A Wheelchair Tennis match is played between two or four athletes with loss of motor function in one or both lower extremities. There is a special class for quadriplegics (quads), or athletes with loss of motor function in the lower extremities and functional disability or amputation in the upper extremities. To score a point, Wheelchair Tennis players have to hit the ball with their rackets so that it lands on the opponent’s court without the opponent being able to hit it back. Winner is the athlete or pair to win three “sets” of six “games” each (best-of-three set match).
Wheelchair Tennis at the 2004 Paralympic Games
During the ATHENS 2004 Paralympic Games, Wheelchair Tennis competitions were staged at the Olympic Tennis Centre of the Athens Olympic Sports Complex (OAKA). Competition took place within the span of eight days (September 19-26). The total of men and women athletes competing was 112.
Paralympic Wheelchair Tennis consisted of six events:

1.Men’s singles
2.Women’s singles
3.Men’s doubles
4.Women’s doubles
5.Quads singles
6.Quads doubles

Also see:International Tennis Federation-Wheelchair Tennis

History
The ancient Greek game “sfairistiki” was played in the 5th century BC, when players would hit a light ball with their fist or shoulder. According to literary sources, “sfairistiki” eventually evolved into a game similar to modern Tennis, in which players would use a small wooden square board, tied around their forearm, to hit the ball into the air.
During the Middle Ages, Tennis was a social game played by members of the noble class. The sport first appeared in the 16th century in England, where King Henry VIII was a Tennis champion. The field of play was originally made of stone and called “tennis court”. The game was played by hitting a ball over a net and was identified as “real tennis” or “royal tennis”.
The first book on Tennis, entitled “Trattalo dello Palla”, was written in 1555. Tennis began to evolve into the game we play today at the end of the 16th century with the manufacturing of the first stringed rackets and the setting of rules. In 1858, the first modern Tennis court was constructed in the suburbs of Birmingham.
The first Tennis club was founded in 1872. Shortly after, Tennis became popular in the British Empire and spread around the world. The first men’s’ tournament was conducted at the “All-England Club” facilities in 1877. The first women’s tournament took place in 1884 at the same courts.
By 1913, Tennis was becoming increasingly popular and the existing national Tennis associations decided to join forces and form the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to ensure that the game was uniformly structured. The ITF now counts 200 member nations.
Wheelchair Tennis developed in the United States of America in the 1970s. The International Wheelchair Tennis Federation (IWTF) was founded in 1988. The International Tennis Federation has fully integrated Wheelchair Tennis since 1998. Nowadays, ITF is the responsible governing body and has the full responsibility for the development of the sport worldwide. Wheelchair Tennis was a demonstration sport in the 1988 Seoul Games and was introduced in the Paralympic Games schedule at the 1992 Games in Barcelona. The sport has developed rapidly ever since and has spread to more than 70 countries.
Tennis began in Greece in 1895 when the first club was founded in the island of Corfu. The founding of clubs in other Greek cities soon followed, including the Athens Lawn Tennis Club, where the Tennis competitions of the first modern Olympic Games were conducted, and the Club of Thessaloniki. In 1938 the Hellenic Tennis Federation was founded and today counts 214 club members.
Wheelchair Tennis started developing in Greece in 1998 under the initiatives of the Athenian club "Hephaestus".
Also see:International Tennis Federation-Wheelchair Tennis

Equipment

Ball
A ball is made of two elastic hemispheres joined together and covered by a layer of wool and synthetic threads. Its colour must be yellow or white and its diametre between 6.54 and 7.3 cm. Its weight ranges from 56 to 59.49 gr.
Racket
The first Tennis rackets were wooden and their strings were made of ship or ewe bowels. Tennis rackets today are made of technologically advanced material such as graphite and their stringed surface is made of synthetic threads. A racket must not exceed 73.66 cm in length and 31.75 cm in width. Wheelchair Tennis athletes may have a special strap wound around their hand to help them hold the racket.
Wheelchair
A Tennis wheelchair is lighter than everyday chairs to allow the athlete flexibility of movement, making the game more spectacular. Wheelchairs are constantly improved in order to meet the above criteria.
Also see:International Tennis Federation-Wheelchair Tennis
Regulations
Rules

Field of play
The court is a 23,77 m x 8,23 m rectangle for singles and a 23,77 m x 10,97 m rectangle for doubles. In fact the same court can be marked for both singles and doubles. The court is divided into two halves by a net, which extends at a height of 0.914 m at its centre and 1.07 m at its sides. There are four types of courts:

Clay courts
Grass courts
Hard courts
Carpet courts

The match
Wheelchair Tennis games are governed by the rules and regulations of the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
A Wheelchair Tennis match is played between two or four athletes with loss of motor function in one or both lower extremities. There is a special class for quadriplegics (quads), or athletes with loss of motor function in the lower extremities and functional disability or amputation in the upper extremities.
An umpire, aided by up to nine line umpires presides over the contest. Before the beginning of the match, the Chair Umpire flips a coin. The winning athlete or pair has the following options: choose its side of the court, choose to serve first, choose to receive first or give the choice to the opponent.

In the beginning of a “game” the athlete serves from the right side of the court and for each successive serve he/she alternates sides. In the next “game” the right to serve goes to the opponent athlete. The athlete serving must be in a fixed position. The athlete’s wheelchair may be in motion, provided that its wheels do not cross the baseline (wheel fault). When serving, athletes may not use their feet as an aid.
The aim in Wheelchair Tennis is to hit the ball with one’s racket so that it crosses over the net and lands on the opponent’s court. In contrast to Tennis rules, in Wheelchair Tennis the ball may bounce twice on one’s court before being hit (the two bounce rule). The second bounce may take place in or outside the court. An athlete or pair scores a point when:

The ball hits the opponent’s court and bounces three times

The ball hits the opponent’s body or wheelchair
The opponent’s pelvis does not touch the wheelchair while he or she is hitting the ball
The opponent hits the ball and it bounces outside the court
The opponent does not manage to hit the ball over the net
The opponent’s body, racket or wheelchair touch the net while the ball is still in play
Athletes who cannot move their wheelchair by hand may use one foot instead. In this case, their foot must not touch the ground as they hit the ball or during the service motion. The lower extremities cannot be used for impetus, moving, or support.
Winner is the athlete or pair to win two “sets”of six games each (best-of-three set match).
Each “game” consists of four points. The first one is called 15, the second 30, and the third 40. The fourth is simply the “game” ball: the athlete or pair wins the “game”, provided that there is a two-point difference. In case of a 40-40 tie (deuce), the athlete or pair must win one point to gain advantage and one more subsequent point in order to win the “game”. If the athlete or pair does not win the subsequent point, then the game continues until one side gains a two-point difference.
Similar rules apply to a “set”. For an athlete or pair to win a “set” they must be ahead by two “games” from the opponent. In case of a 6-6 “games” tie, there is a “tie break”: the athlete to serve first serves one “point” and then the athletes serve alternatively every two points, switching court sides every six points. The athlete or pair to score first seven points while being in the lead by a minimum of two points wins the “set”. A “tie break” can be played in all “sets”.
Also see:International Tennis Federation-Wheelchair Tennis

Techniques

Advanced technique, stamina, strength, speed and flexibility are necessary skills for Wheelchair Tennis athletes who develop various kinds of shots, including:

Drop shot - a stroke that causes the ball to fall abruptly after clearing the net

Cross court - diagonal ball from one side of the court to the other
Lob - a ball hit high in the air and deep into the opponent’s court, usually over the opponent’s head.
Passing shot - a shot hit past an opponent, coming to or already at the net.
Smash - strong strike to an opponent’s high ball.
Volley - ball hit before it bounces on the ground.
Also see:International Tennis Federation-Wheelchair Tennis

Greek Athlets
Athletes

Accomplished Athletes Worldwide
Wheelchair Tennis is a popular Paralympic sport with many distinguished athletes. Some of them are: Robin Ammerlaan (Netherlands) gold medallist at the Athens Paralympic Games, David Hall (Australia), gold medallist at the Sydney Paralympic Games, Randy Snow (USA), gold medallist at the Barcelona Paralympic Games, Stephen Welch, silver medallist at the Atlanta and Sydney Paralympic Games and the Dutch Robin Ammerlaan and Ricky Molier, gold medallists in men’s doubles at the Sydney Paralympic Games. Distinguished female athletes include Esther Vergeer (Netherlands), gold medallist at the Athens and the Sydney Paralympic Games, Daniella di Toro (Australia), silver medallist at the Sydney Paralympic Games and Maaike Smit (Netherlands), gold medallist at the Atlanta Paralympic Games.
Greek Athletes
At the Athens Paralympic Games Konstantinos Vasouras became the first Greek athlete to participate at a Paralympic Wheelchair Tennis tournament.
Also see: International Tennis Federation-Wheelchair Tennis

Powerlifting

Although Weightlifting is considered the sport of strength, history has shown that the athlete's strength must be accompanied by skills developed from a knowledgeable trainer.
In Powerlifting, men and women athletes compete in a horizontal lying position (on their back) on a specially designed bench. An athlete's official assistants give the bar to the competitor at the level of his or her outstretched arms. The athlete must complete his or her attempt within two minutes, through the following moves: lower the bar to the chest, hold it immobile for a short period, and then lift it upwards as far as the arms can stretch.
Men and women are competing in specific categories, according to their body weight.
Powerlifting at the 2004 Paralympic Games
Powerlifting during the Athens Paralympic Games tοοκ place at the Nikaia Olympic Weightlifting Hall. The competition schedule was completed over seven days, from 20 to 27 September 2004, with a resting day in 23 September 2004.

History

Powerlifting for athletes with a disability first made its appearance at the 1964 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, under the name of "Weightlifting". Only men athletes with spinal cord injuries participated.
The sport was later renamed to "Powerlifting". The incorporation of regulations, which are similar to those that apply in Weighlifting for able-bodied athletes, and the participation of athletes with other physical disabilities, such as athletes with cerebral palsy and amputee athletes, contributed to the radical development of Powerlifting.
Athletes from 25 countries participated in Powerlifting at the Barcelona Paralympic Games in 1992. Four years later, at the Atlanta Paralympic Games in 1996, the number of participating countries reached 58. The number has increased further since then, reaching 109 countries from five continents.
At the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney, women also participated for the first time.
The Powerlifting Committee of the International Paralympic Committee was founded in 1989 and constitutes the competent administrative body for the international organisation and development of the sport.
Also see:International Paralympic Committee (IPC)

Equipment

Platform
The platform is a wooden surface measuring 4 x 4 metres and constitutes the area on which the athletes carry out their attempts.
Bar and discs
The bar consists of the axis bar, the weight discs and the collars. The official bar is 2.2 metres long and weighs 25 kg, including the weight of the collars. The weight of the discs ranges:

15 kg. The discs are coloured yellow.
20 kg. The discs are coloured blue.
25 kg. The discs are coloured red.
Bench and stands
The Bench
Athletes compete lying on a bench. The official bench is 2.10 metres long. The main part of the bench is 61 centimetres wide. At the end of the bench and towards the head, the bench narrows down to 30.5 centimetres. The height of the bench varies between 45 and 50 centimetres from the ground.
Stands
The height of the vertical stands, both on the adjustable and non-adjustable benches, varies between 77 and 100 centimetres, as measured from the ground up to the bar placed in a horizontal position and when an exercise is not being carried out.
Scoreboard
The drawn numbers, the names, the country codes, the attempts, the best result and the standings appear on the scoreboard.
Electronic lighting system
This system displays the weight class, the name, the competitor's country, the time, the attempt, as well as the World and Paralympic record.
Also see: International Paralympic Committee (IPC)

Regulations
Rules

Classes
The classification of athletes takes place according to their body weight and on condition that they have a minimum degree of disability. The athlete must have the ability to stretch the arms out to the maximum. If an athlete has not the ability to fully stretch his or her arms out, this inability should not exceed 20 degrees.
Specifically, the classes of athletes are:
Men

Women
- 48 kilos

- 40 kilos
- 52 kilos

- 44 kilos
- 56 kilos

- 48 kilos
- 60 kilos

- 52 kilos
- 67.5 kilos

- 56 kilos
- 75 kilos

- 60 kilos
- 82.5 kilos

- 67.5 kilos
- 90 kilos

- 75 kilos
- 100 kilos

- 82.5 kilos
+ 100 kilos

+ 82.5 kilos

Rules and Regulations for the Event
In all categories, athletes compete in a lying position on a specially designed bench. Athletes must maintain this position throughout the event, unless some special medical reason prevents them from doing so.
Athletes with cerebral palsy can have their legs bent. They can also tie themselves on the bench with a strap. Some athletes can also use a second strap for additional security or to prevent an involuntary movement. The binding is used on areas ranging from the hips to the lower leg and ankle joints.
The bar is placed horizontally on two stands, adjusted on the left and right of the bench. The bar is lifted only by the official assistants, who can give it to the athletes at the level of the outstretched arms. The signal for the start of the event is given from this position. The athlete must lower the bar to the chest, hold it immobile, and then raise it upwards until the arms are fully stretched. At this point and when the bar is immobile, the signal is given for completion of the attempt.
From the moment the name is announced, and after the starting signal, the athlete has two minutes to complete the attempt. Each athlete has three attempts. If an athlete wishes to make an attempt in order to achieve a record, he or she can make a fourth attempt and has a three minutes time limit.
Athletes are disqualified when they:
do not start or complete their attempt when signaled by the referee,

change place on the bench,

do not maintain the bar immobile on the chest,
do not raise the bar upwards on outstretched arms,
do not make a synchronised move,
do not complete the attempt within the time limit,
touch the assistants or the stands.
Results
Three referees-judges assess the success or not of every attempt, choosing the white or red light respectively. The athlete who gathers the highest total is the winner. The weight declaration must be a multiple of 2.5 kg and the increase in weight at least 2.5 kg each time. In the case of an attempt to break the world record the increase in weight can even be as little as half a kilo, despite the fact that the "closest" multiple of 2.5 kg is calculated within the total.
Also see: International Paralympic Committee (IPC)

Technics
Classification

The classification of athletes takes place according to their body weight and on condition that they have a minimum degree of disability. The athlete must have the ability to stretch the arms out to the maximum. If an athlete has not the ability to fully stretch his or her arms out, this inability should not exceed 20 degrees.
Specifically, the classes of athletes are:
Men
Women
- 48 kilos

- 40 kilos
- 52 kilos

- 44 kilos
- 56 kilos

- 48 kilos
- 60 kilos

- 52 kilos
- 67.5 kilos

- 56 kilos
- 75 kilos

- 60 kilos
- 82.5 kilos

- 67.5 kilos
- 90 kilos

- 75 kilos
- 100 kilos

- 82.5 kilos
+ 100 kilos

+ 82.5 kilos

Classification based on a minimal disability means that the athletes must fulfill the conditions of a minimum degree of disability.
Eligible to participate are athletes with locomotor disabilities such as:
Amputations
,
Cerebral palsy,
Spinal cord injuries and
Les Autres

Special Conditions:
The competitor must have reached his or her 14th birthday at the time of competition.

The competitor must have the ability to fully extend the arms with no more than a 20 degree loss of full extension of either elbow, to make an approved lift according to the rules.

If an athlete has significantly impaired kinesiology of the upper body, which represents to the classification team a potential high risk for injury, this athlete may be disqualified.

Minimum disability of the spinal injured athlete will be determined by the same methodology as Les Autres athletes, except that their classification will be permanent.

All eligible participants must be determined as being physically fit by a physician.
General Classifications
a ) Amputee
Double or single above knee amputations.
Double or single below knee amputations.
Minimum disability is noted to included only those amputations which are through or above the ankle joint, not through the foot or toes.
b) Les Autres
A motor paresis of the lower extremity.

At least a decrease in muscle strength of 20 points to include both lower limbs extremities when testing on the 0-5 scale grade system (not counting grade 1 and 2). A normal person obstains 50 points in each lower limb (total 100 points for both lower limbs). The following muscle functions shall be tested in the lower limb:
Hip Flexion

5 Maximum
Hip Extension

5 Maximum
Hip Abduction

5 Maximum
Hip Adduction

5 Maximum
Knee Flexion

5 Maximum
Knee Extension

5 Maximum
Ankle Dorsi Flexion

5 Maximum
Ankle Plantar Flexion

5 Maximum
Foot Inversion

5 Maximum
Foot Eversion

5 Maximum
Total sum each lower limb =

50
Total sum both lower limbs =

100

Exception:
Athletes who have arthrodesis of the foot in which there is either or no inversion or eversion possible will be measured as grade 5 in muscle testing under the appropriate category of either/or inversion or eversion.

Joint mobility
The testing to be performed with the help of goniometer (passive movements).
Hip Decrease in flexion-extension of 60 degrees or ankylosis.
Knee Extension defect or 30 degrees or ankylosis in any position.

Ankle Ankylosis
Shortening of one lower limb. At least 7 cm difference. (Measurements to be taken from anterior superior iliac spine to medial malleolus on same side).
Back and Torso
Severely reduced mobility of a permanent nature and/or as in scoliosis measuring over 60 degrees curve as measured by the Cobb method. X-ray proof is necessary.

Dwarfs
The maximum height for a dwarf to meet minimum disability is 4 feet 9 inches or 145 cm. The athlete must exhibit other disabilities besides being of small stature therefore excluding a pituitary dwarf.
Note:
Example of conditions not eligible for Les Autres:
Down syndrome or mongolism or persons with severely reduced mental capacity. Further persons with heart, chest, abdominal, skin, ear and eye diseases without locomotor disability

Les Autres athletes, who despite their permanent disability, have the potential to change the degree of disability, e.g.,, MS, will be reclassified prior each competition

c) Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy is a brain lesion which is non-progressive and causes variable impairment of the co-ordination, tone and strength of muscle action with resulting inability of the person to maintain normal postures and perform normal movements.
This central motor disturbance may be associated with:
-

Perceptual deficits.
-

Visual and hearing problem.
-

Speech difficulties.

Eligible participants must have a diagnosis of cerebral palsy or other non-progressive brain damage with locomotor dysfunction either congenital or acquired.

If an abnormality can only be detected by a detailed neurological examination of the athlete and there is no obvious impairment of function the person is not eligible.
Also see: International Paralympic Committee (IPC)

Accomplished Athletes Worldwide
Anthony Peddle, Great Britain
Kenn Jong Jung, Korea
Nicholas Slater, Great Britain
Kim Browfield, USA
Famina Omar, Egypt
Tamara Podpalnaya, Russia
Patricia Okafor, Nigeria
Emma Brown, Great Britain
Cao Ping, China
Greek Athletes
At the Sydney Paralympic Games, Vasilis Yannoukas took 16th place in the - 82.5 kg category and Dimitris Anatolitis the 14th place in the - 75 kg category.

Goalball

Goalball is an exclusively Paralympic sport. It is a team sport in which only blind athletes and athletes with vision impairment can participate. It requires technical skills, strength, speed, quick reflexes, team spirit, flexibility and orientation skills. At a recreational level, however, everyone can play Goalball, regardless of age, physical fitness or visual restrictions.

Goalball is conducted in an indoor Volleyball court. It is played by both men and women athletes. Each team consists of three players with a maximum of three substitutes. The objective of the game is for each team to roll the ball, with their hands to the opposite side and score a goal, while the opposing players try to block the ball with any part of their body. The winner is the team that scores the most goals. A game is played in two halves of 10 minutes each.

 

Goalball at the 2004 Paralympic Games
During the Athens Paralympic Games, Goalball competitions were held at the Sports Pavilion of the Faliro Coastal Zone Olympic Complex. Competition events took place within seven days (from 20 to 26 September 2004). Athens hosted 12 men’s and 8 women’s Goalball teams.

Goalball started in Austria in 1946 thanks to the efforts of the German Sepp Reindle and Austrian Hanz Lorenzen to apply novel methods of rehabilitation for World War II blind veterans. Very soon it developed into an exciting and competitive sport. In Germany and Austria Goalball games were often organised between local teams. It was introduced for the first time as a demonstration sport during 1976 Paralympic Games in Toronto with the participation of men’s teams from seven countries. In 1978 the first Goalball World Championships was held in Austria. Goalball was officially included in the Paralympic Games competition programme in 1980 in Arnhem, the Netherlands.

Ever since 1982, Goalball has been under the authority of the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) and is managed by the IBSA Goalball Subcommittee. IBSA was founded in Paris in 1981 with the purpose of developing and promoting sports activities for blind and visually impaired athletes. IBSA is an official member of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), which leads the Paralympic Movement.

Goalball is considered to be one of the most popular Paralympic sports and it is played in more than 112 countries around the world.

In Greece, Goalball was introduced in June 2001 in Thessaloniki, where it was played by the blind athletes sports clubs “Hephaestus” and “Pyrsos”.

Table Tennis

Speed and quick reactions constitute the two main characteristics athletes in Table Tennis have. Every game consists of five sets. The first athlete or team that scores 11 points wins the set.
Table Tennis at the Paralympic Games presents only minor differences compared to the corresponding game in the Olympic Games. Only a few modifications have been made for athletes who use a wheelchair. Participants are athletes with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries and athletes with an amputation or other locomotor disabilities. The athletes compete in a wheelchair or standing and are classified in 10 classes based on their functional ability.
Table Tennis at the 2004 Paralympic Games
Table Tennis at the Paralympic Games in Athens was held at the Galatsi Olympic Hall. The competition programme was completed within nine days, from 18 to 27 September 2004, with a one-day intermission on September 22.

Also see:International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) International Paralympic Committee (IPC) International Table Tennis Committee for the disabled

Equipment
The basic equipment used in Table Tennis consists of:

The table
The net
The ball
The rackets

The equipment must be approved by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).

Table
The table is 2.74 metres long, 1.525 metres wide and 76 centimetres high, while its surface must not be less than 20 centimetres thick. The material from which the competition surface (table) is made is usually wood, coloured dark green or blue.
Net
The net is 15.25 centimetres high and extends along the width of the centre of the table, dividing it into two equal parts. It is supported by two metal or plastic supports 15.25 centimetres high and extends a further 15.25 centimetres beyond each side of the table. The net is usually made of nylon and is coloured dark green.
Ball
The ball has a 40 millimetre diametre and weighs about 2.7 grams. It is made of celluloid or of similar plastic material. It is usually coloured white or mat yellow.
Rackets
The first rackets were wooden with a long handle, while their main part was covered with a layer of cork. As of 1929, the players used wooden rackets with a surface area covered by hard rubber with tiny studs on it. This was the first combination of wood and rubber and it lasted until the end of the 1940's.

In 1952 a Japanese athlete, Hiroje Satoh, appeared at the World Championship with a racket covered by a layer of sponge-like material, which went between the rubber surface and the wood and created a new type of rubber layer which was later called "sandwich rubber". The new rubber revolutionised the field of Table Tennis due to its characteristic feature of giving a great spin and speed to the ball. Over the next few years, almost all top players started to use this new type of rubber and to adapt themselves to this new type of game. New techniques of hitting and spinning the ball were discovered and developed, making the game more spectacular.
Also see: International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) International Paralympic Committee (IPC) International Table Tennis Committee for the disabled

Regulations

Rules

Table Tennis games are conducted according to the rules and regulations of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and the Table Tennis Committee of the International Paralympic Committee.
Classes
Athletes are classified into 10 classes, depending on the skills required for the sport and the locomotor disabilities they face. Classification takes place after examining the range of movement of each athlete, his or her muscle strength, locomotor restrictions, balance in the wheelchair and the ability to handle the racket.
In classes 1 to 5, athletes with tetraplegia or paraplegia compete in a wheelchair. Athletes who choose to compete in a wheelchair can also be classified in classes 1 to 5. Athletes with the biggest difficulties in body movement and the upper limbs (usually athletes with tetraplegia) are classified into class 1. As one rises in class, eg. to 4 and 5, one finds athletes who, although using a wheelchair, present greater mobility abilities. In cases where the athletes cannot hold the racket, they are allowed to tie it to their hands.
In classes 6 to 10, athletes compete in standing position. Athletes with a combination of disabilities such as locomotor disorders in the hand with which the athlete plays, as well as in the lower limbs which limit one's balance are classified into class 6. Higher up the list of classes, the athletes present greater mobility potential. For example, in class 10 are athletes with an amputation of the free hand (the hand which does not hold the racket).
For every class of men and women players there are single and double matches. In the doubles it is possible to unite the classes. The combinations of classes for women are the following: class 1 and 2, class 4 and 5 and classes 6 to 10. For men it is possible to combine classes 1 and

Technics
The Game
The objective of the game is for the player to cross the ball into the opponent's area, without him or her being able to successfully return it. The game begins with a service and there is a change in service every two points. A player or a team wins a point when the opponent:
does not make a valid service,

fails to return the ball correctly,
hits the ball twice with the racket,
obstructs the ball,
hits the ball and it passes over the competition table and the end line without touching the table at all,
hits the ball but it touches the net,
moves the table,
touches the table with his or her free hand,
if the opponent does not observe the specified order of the game (this applies in the case of doubles).
Every game consists of 5, 7 or 9 sets depending on the event, and the winner is the athlete who will win 3, 4 or 5 sets respectively. The player or team which first wins 11 points wins the set. In the case of a tie (10-10), the winner is the athlete or pair which will first score a 2-point difference. Opponents change sides at the beginning of every set.
Modifications to the regulations have only been made for those classes competing with a wheelchair.
Among the most important changes are the following:
The competition area for athletes competing standing up is 14 metres long and 7 metres wide. The dimensions of the competition area are smaller for athletes competing with a wheelchair. Specifically, it is 8 metres long and 7 metres wide.

The table has the same dimensions. The table legs, however, must be at least 40 centimetres in from the end lines, so that the players are not obstructed.

At the intermission the players must leave the racket on the table, unless it is tied to their hand.
The player is not allowed to touch the ground with his or her legs or with the wheelchair footrest.
In the service during the single events, a repeat (let) is granted when the ball
a) goes out of play outside the side lines of the opponent's competition surface after one or two bounces
b) bounces on the opponent's competition side and returns to the net,
c) stops on the opponent's side. In the case where the opponent hits the ball back before it goes beyond the side lines or before it bounces two times on his side of the competition area, the service is considered valid.
In the service during the double events, a repeat (let) is given when the ball bounces in the opponent's competition area and then returns to the net, stopping on the side of the opponent. In the case that the opponent returns or hits the ball before it bounces twice on his side of the competition area, the service is considered valid.

While the ball is in play the player can touch the surface of the table with his or her free hand, but without moving it, in the case that he or she is trying to restore his or her balance after hitting the ball. He or she is not allowed, though, to support himself or herself on the competition surface and hit the ball.

The referee must be informed before the game as to the limitations of the players in classes 1 and 2 so he or she may judge the validity of a service.
In doubles the restriction does not apply concerning the alternating return of the ball by the members of the doubles team.

Also see:International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) International Paralympic Committee (IPC) International Table Tennis Committee for the disabled
Greek Athlets

Athletes

Accomplished Athletes Worldwide
Gui Xiang Ren, China
Lei Lina, China
Catherine Mitton, Great Britain
Alena Kanova, Slovakia
Kyong Sik Choi, Korea
Stanislav Fraczyk, Austria
Hae Gon Lee, Korea

 

Equestrian

Equestrian is one of the most impressive sports of the Paralympic Games. It also contributes to the rehabilitation and improvement of physical skills for people with a disability.
Equestrian is a multi-disability sport. It is unique among Paralympic sports since men and women compete on the same terms and horse and rider are both declared Paralympic medal winners.
Equestrian at the 2004 Paralympic Games

Dressage was the only Equestrian discipline that was included in the competition schedule of the 2004 Paralympic Games. Equestrian was held at the Markopoulo Olympic Equestrian Centre, in sand arenas 20m wide and 40m long and 20m wide and 60m long. Dressage was held over five competition days, between 21 and 26 September 2004.

History

Although horse riding has long constituted a means for the rehabilitation and improvement of the physical skills of people with a disability, it began to develop as a sport during the 1970s. The 1984 World Games in New York marked the beginning of international Dressage competitions for men and women riders with a disability. Since then, many international events have taken place.
The first Dressage World Championship was held in Sweden in 1987, followed later by similar events in Denmark and Great Britain. The inclusion of Dressage in the competition programme of the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta, with the participation of riders from 16 countries, was a milestone in Equestrian Sports’ history. In the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney, participation increased in a spectacular way, with 72 slots and men and women riders from 24 countries competing in the Games. In the 2003 World Championships in Belgium 36 nations entered. By April 2003, 40 nations were ‘widely practicing’ equestrian sports.
In 1992 the Therapeutic Riding Association of Greece was founded. This association sees to the rehabilitation and training of riders with a disability, and intends to enter at least 3 riders for the Games.

Equipment

Rider’s clothing
The rider’s basic items of clothing include: a riding hat, breeches, riding boots or stout riding shoes with heels and a jacket. Both men and women riders wear a shirt, a stock (hunting tie), and gloves – if possible. Spurs are optional.

Horse Equipment
Saddle: The saddle was designed to help the rider maintain his balance while sitting on the horse. Saddle types differ for different Equestrian activities. There is an inner saddletree, which is made of steel, glass fibre or wood. In most cases, the external part of the saddle is made of leather.
The saddle has a girth, which holds the saddle firmly in place and is similar to a belt.
There are stirrups for the feet to go in. Riders may choose to ride without stirrups.

Some saddles may be modified to help compensate for the impairment of the rider. These modifications have to be approved by the IPC Equestrian Sport Commitee.
Bridle and Bit: They provide a means of contact and communication between horse and rider. Grade I & II athletes use an ordinary single bit (snaffle), while Grade III and IV athletes may use a snaffle or a double bridle.

Regulations
Rules

Athletes with visual impairment, cerebral palsy, amputation or other physical impairments can compete in Equestrian Sports. The Equestrian Committee of the International Paralympic Committee and the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) rules govern the sport.

The Event
The men and women riders perform two programmes: a predetermined test (Individual Championship) and a freestyle to music test.
There is also a Team Test that, with the Individual Championship, determines the result of the all-important Team Competition (see below).
In the Individual Championship Test, athletes perform a series of compulsory movements with transitions between them (walk, trot and, for some riders, canter). The object of riding dressage is to improve balance, control, mobility, general fitness, memory and freedom. The objective for the dressage horse is to develop physique and ability harmoniously, making the horse calm, supple, loose and flexible, but also confident, attentive and keen, thus obtaining perfect understanding with the rider. It is the aim of the rider to fulfil both of these objectives, so that the horse gives the impression of doing of his own accord what is required of him, submitting generously to the control of the rider.

The Freestyle to Music test is a competition of artistic equitation. There are some compulsory movements, but the tests are free in the form and manner of the presentation that the rider chooses within a fixed time. The test should clearly show the unity between rider and horse as well as rhythm and harmony in all the movements and transitions. This competition may be compared to the freestyle ice skating competition.
The I.P.E.C. accredited International judges assess the coordination, harmony and accuracy of the movements, as well as the willingness, obedience and trust of the horse towards the rider. The final scores, which range from 0 to 10 for each movement, are added up and shown as a percentage of all the five judges’ marks.
Each athlete is classified according to his or her impairment, or disability, and judged according to their skill, or ability.
The Teams participating in the Team Competition consist of three or four riders from the same country. At least one of the athletes must be a Grade I or II athlete. The team’s final score is based on the sum from the best three performances: if a team consists of four riders, the worst total score is excluded from the final score.

Technics
Classification

The riders are assessed according to their impairment and functional profile and they classified into one of the four distinct grades - Grade I, Grade II, Grade III and Grade IV.
Grade I
Mainly wheelchair users with poor trunk balance and or impairment of function in all four limbs, or no trunk balance and good upper limb function, or moderate trunk balance with severe impairment of all four limbs.
Grade II
Mainly wheelchair users, or those with severe locomotor impairment involving the trunk and with good to mild upper limb function, or severe unilateral impairment.
Grade III
Usually able to walk without support. Moderate unilateral impairment, or moderate impairment in four limbs, severe arm impairment. May need a wheelchair for longer distances or due to lack of stamina. Total loss of sight in both eyes, or intellectually impaired. Blacked out glasses or blindfold must be worn by Profile 36 riders.
Grade IV
Impairment in one or two limps, or some visual impairment
The classification takes also account of a weighting system for the bode areas most important for riding.

Accomplished Athletes Worldwide
Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games medallists include:
Lee Pearson, Gold medals in the Grade I Individual Championship Test and in the Freestyle to Music Test. (Great Britain)
Joop Stockkel, Gold medal in the Grade II Individual Championship Test and Silver in the Freestyle to Music Test (The Netherlands)
Nicola Tustain, Gold medal in the Freestyle to Music Test, and Bronze medal in the Individual Championship Test (Great Britain).
Julie Higgins, Gold medals in the Grade III Individual Championship Test and in the Freestyle to Music Test (Australia)
Jayne Craike, Gold medal in the Grade IV Individual Championship Test (New Zealand)
Team Results: Gold - Great Britain; Silver - The Netherlands; Bronze - Norway
Kay Gebbie, Gold Medal in the Freestyle to Music Test and Bronze in the Individual Test (Great Britain)

Greek athletes have participated in International Games in Israel and Great Britain.

Sailing

Sailing has some of the most enthusiastic supporters worldwide. It is also one of the very few sports in which age does not play a significant role. In fact, the experience gained through years of involvement often enhances the athlete’s abilities.
Sailing events take place on waterways, delineated by buoys. These waterways define the courses that competitors have to complete. During the Paralympics Sailing events, athletes compete in Sonar and 2.4mR classes. Competitors face not only their opponents, but also the unpredictability of nature.
Athletes with vision impairment, blind athletes and athletes with a physical disability compete in the Paralympic Games.
Also see:International Foundation for Disabled Sailing (IFDS)International Sailing Federation (ISA

History

In ancient times, Sailing was linked with the history and activities of many nations. The mastering of the seas often played a crucial role in a country’s growth and expansion.
The first Sailing competition, which is still held today, was the Cumberland Cup, inaugurated in 1715. The first international competition, in 1851, was the “Hundred Guineas Cup” – now known as the Americas Cup, named after the first winning boat “America”. This marked the debut of competition Sailing as we know it today.
Sailing started to attract sailors with a disability in the 1980s. The first international Sailing tournament for athletes with a disability was held in Switzerland. Further tournaments were held in Germany and Holland.
The International Handicap Sailing Committee (IHSC) was established in 1988, and began to organise competitions and forums to promote Sailing for persons with a disability. Two years later, in 1990, Sailing made its debut as an exhibition sport at the World Games for the Disabled.
In 1991 the International Sailing Federation recognised the IHSC; a little later the same year, the IHSC was renamed ‘The International Foundation for Disabled Sailing’ (IFDS).
The first world Sailing championship for persons with a disability was held in Switzerland in 1991. It was followed by further world championships in Spain (1992), USA (1993), and UK (1994).
Sailing appeared as an exhibition sport at the 1996 Atlanta Games; at the 2000 Sydney Games, the Paralympic competition programme included events for Sonar boat with a crew of three and for 2.4mR single-handed boat.
Also see: International Foundation for Disabled Sailing (IFDS)International Sailing Federation (ISAF)

 

Equipment

Boats
International 2.4mR
2.4mR boats are single-handed keelboats and are one-fifth scale versions of the 12-metre Americas Cup boats. They are 4.1 metres long and weigh 260 kilograms.
Sailors of all ages and abilities first used these boats in the mid 1980s. Their design allows the steersman to sit amidships holding all the instruments for controlling the boat craft and navigating, at a distance roughly equal to that of the arms when outstretched. 2.4mR racing has therefore attracted top yachtsmen, while sailors with a disability have quickly begun to join in.
In 1992 the 2.4mR was officially recognized as an international class. 2.4mR racing made its Paralympic debut the same year, at the Barcelona Games. Eight years later, this class was included in the competition programme of the Sydney Paralympic Games.
Sonar
Sonar class have a crew of three, a fixed keel, a length of 7 metres (23 feet), and a weight of 950 kilograms. The Sonar was designed by Bruce Kirby in 1979 and was officially recognised as a class by the ISAF in 2000. Sonar has three sails – main sail, jib, and spinnaker.

Also see:International Foundation for Disabled Sailing (IFDS)International Sailing Federation (ISAF)

Regulations
Rules

Categories
Athletes competing in Paralympic Sailing are classified by the Event Classification Committee of the International Foundation for Disabled Sailing (IFDS). They are placed in competition classes according to their particular disability, which must cause visible limitation to their functionality and to the skills needed in Sailing: balance and trunk stability, functionality and breadth of movement of the upper extremities, and visual acuity.
After the evaluation of athletes with a movement disability by the Classification Committee, they are awarded points, based on their functional abilities, ranging from 1 to 7, standing for respectively the lowest and the highest level of functionality.
Athletes with vision impairment and blind athletes are placed into one of three competition classes, based on their visual acuity and field of vision:

Β1: Blind athletes. B1 athletes are awarded 3 points

Β2: Athletes with vision impairment with visual acuity up to 6/24. B2 athletes are awarded 7 points.
Β3: Athletes with impaired vision with visual acuity from to 2/60 to 6/12. B3 athletes are awarded 7 points.
To ensure the participation of athletes with all point counts and from all classes of disability, there is a maximum point count which a Sonar crew must not exceed: the aggregate of its members’ points must not be over 14. This enables sailors with a more severe physical disability to take part in the Games.
In individual contests, sailors must meet the minimum criteria for disability; that is, upon evaluation of their functionality they must be awarded 7 points or fewer.
Field of Play
The field of play during the Games of 2004 consists of two courses, which competitors must complete. These courses are indicated with buoys that are laid daily for the duration of the Games. Weather conditions play a decisive part in the positioning of the buoys. Every shift in wind strength or direction means that the buoys have to be repositioned. Committees on boats monitor the weather and lay the buoys accordingly.
Racing
All sailing races follow the rules of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), and the special rules of the International Foundation for Disabled Sailing (IFDS), an ISAF member since 1991.
In Sonar races the crew consists of three competitors, which may be made up of athletes with differing degrees and types of disability. The total number of points of the sailors must not exceed 14. If one member of a craft’s crew is unable to take part in the race, he/she may be replaced by another athlete, subject to the approval of the Race Committee. Even in this case, the total must not exceed 14.
Races for 2.4mR class are individual races. Since the steersman/woman sits amidships, looking ahead and holding all the instruments for controlling the boat craft and navigating, at a distance roughly equal to that of the arms when outstretched, the 2.4mR race makes no special demands on athletes’ physical abilities. On the contrary, what is essential for the steersman/woman is to develop a good sense of tactics and experience.
All races for Sonar class or 2.4mR class consist of a series of nine separate races.
The points scored by the sailor or crew competing depend on the latter’s final placement. The first scores one point, the second two points, and so on. The final winner is the athlete or crew with the lowest aggregate points for the total races, the worst score having been discarded.
Also see:International Foundation for Disabled Sailing (IFDS)International Sailing Federation (ISAF)

 

Wheelchair Βasketball

Wheelchair Basketball is one of the most spectacular and popular sports of the Paralympic Games. It is distinguished for its unique style, the quick flow of the game and the endless action with constant attacks to the basket and “man to man” defense.

Each Wheelchair Basketball team consists of five players, playing in the court, and seven substitutes. Substitutions take place during breaks in the game. The objective of every team is to score in the opponents’ basket and prevent the opposing team from scoring. The winner is the team that at the end of the game has scored the most points.

There are only a few differences between Paralympic Games Wheelchair Basketball and Olympic Games Basketball, with regard to the layout and dimensions of the court, the standard equipment and the rules and regulations. The main difference is the use of a wheelchair, which the athlete has to use with dexterity as an instrument with which he can achieve his sporting objectives. Participants in Wheelchair basketball are men and women with spinal cord injuries, amputation, cerebral palsy or other physical disabilities.

History

Wheelchair basketball was first created in 1946. The sports development began at the Stoke Mandeville Rehabilitation Hospital. Dr. Ludwig Gutman, in an attempt to help in the rehabilitation of war veterans who had fought in the Second World War, organised Wheelchair basketball games. Since then, the game developed rapidly around the world and was introduced at the first Paralympic Games, in Rome in 1960.
Today, Wheelchair basketball has spread to more than 80 countries. The highest administrative body for the sport is the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF), which became an independent federation in 1993. The Greek Wheelchair Basketball Association (O.S.E.K.K.), is responsible for the development of Wheelchair basketball in Greece. Since 1998, O.S.E.K.K. has been officially recognised as an independent federation.

 

At the most recent Paralympic Games, Wheelchair Basketball has been one of the most popular sports. At the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games many Wheelchair basketball games attracted crowds of more than 10,000 spectators.

Εquipment

The ball
The same ball is used for both Wheelchair basketball and Basketball games. The ball is made of leather. Its circumference is between 74,9 - 78 centimetres and its weight ranges from 600 to 650 grams. The first referee, prior to the beginning of each game, checks the suitability of the ball.

Uniform
The uniform is comprised of a shirt and shorts of the same colour. The teams are obliged to have two sets of uniforms, one dark-coloured and the other light-coloured, so they can use the most suitable one depending on the colours of the opposing team. The player’s number and the team name are written on the uniform. The name of the player is also written, depending on the tournament.
Player’s number
The number constitutes the player’s identity during the game and it is compulsory for it to be written on the uniform, both on the front side (in small-size letters) as well as on the back side (usually in the middle and in larger letters).

Competition Wheelchair
The competition wheelchair is considered to be an extension of the player and must comply with the specifications set by the IWBF Regulations. The competition wheelchair may have three or four wheels, i.e. two large at the back and one or two small at the front.

Regulations

Technics
Rules

Field of play
The field of play intended for Wheelchair basketball games has no differences compared to that of Olympic Basketball. It is a rectangular hard surface 28 metres long and 15 metres wide. For official national and international games, wooden floor is required.
Main Rules of the Game
Every team is comprised of five players (‘starters’) and seven substitutes. The athletes are assessed as to the balance and mobility of the body, the handling of the ball (passing, catching, dribbling), as well as the handling of the wheelchair (giving it fast impetus, stopping, change of direction). Depending on the potential and limitations the athletes present, they are given a rating of between 0.5 and 4.5 points. The highest rate is given to the player with the least physical limitation. Throughout the course of the game, the total rate of the players inside the court must not exceed 14.5 points.
Every Wheelchair basketball game is comprised of four periods of 10 minutes, with a two-minute intermission at the end of the first and third period and a 15-minute intermission at the end of the second period. The objective of each team is to score a basket. The team with the highest score is proclaimed winner. If at the end of the 4th period the score is tied, the game is continued with a five minute extra time period and this is repeated as many times as necessary to declare a winner.
Every team has the right to five ‘time out’s’, one each in the first three periods and two in the last one. The teams have the right to one time-out during extra time.

Two referees (the first and second) decide on violations of the rules. The referees are assisted by the scoretable officials and specifically by the scorer and his assistant, who are responsible for maintaining the official scoresheet of the game, as well as by the time-keeper and the handler of the 24 second count clock.
Every team has 24 seconds to complete its attempt to score a basket. If the team with the ball exceeds this time limit, then the ball and the right of play is granted to the opposing team.
Every basket counts for two points. Baskets from shots taken outside the 6.25 metre line count for three points. Baskets scored from free throws (penalties resulting from fouls or technical fouls) count for one point.

According to the rules, actions such as pushing, holding or hitting an opponent constitute a foul. If a player who commits the foul did not have the intention to contest the ball, but simply to stop his opponent, he is penalized for committing a flagrant foul.
Technical fouls are all those which do not include physical contact with an opposing player.
Every player who commits five fouls, personal or technical, is automatically ejected from the game and is substituted within thirty seconds.
There are three basic differences between the Olympic Basketball regulations and those of Wheelchair Basketball. Specifically, in Wheelchair Basketball the following apply:
1.

At the beginning of each period and at the beginning of extra time periods, the match begins when the referee tosses the ball up in the central circle of the court (jump ball). If there is a need for jump ball during the game, the jump ball process is not repeated. Instead, the ball is given to the team, which did not win the opening jump ball.
2.

The offensive player must dribble the ball, meaning, is to bounce or throw the ball on the ground every one or two pushes of the wheels. If not, that is in the case where the athlete makes three or more pushes without dribbling the ball, the referee credits him or her with "steps".
3.

A player is not allowed to touch the ground with any part of his body, nor lean forward or backwards in order for any part of his or her wheelchair to touch the field of play.

Swimming

Swimming began as a rehabilitation and leisure activity, but soon developed into one of the most popular and highly competitive sports for athletes with a disability. In Swimming competitions participants are men and women with: a physical disability or vision impairment.
Athletes with vision impairment, depending on the degree of vision loss, are classified into the following categories: S11-SB11-SM11, S12-SB12-SM12 and S13-SB13-SM13.
For swimmers with a physical disability, classification is relatively more complex. Depending on the type of disability, one first examines the degree of muscle strength, movement coordination or the scope of movement, and then the functional ability and movement limitations in the water are assessed in the various swimming styles. After the above assessment, athletes are classified into:

10 classes, S1 - S10, for freestyle, backstroke, and butterfly

8 classes for breaststroke, SB2-SB9
8 classes for the individual medley, SM3-SM10
The greater the functional potential of a swimmer, the higher the category in which he or she will be classified. A swimmer can be classified into one class for one swimming style and a different category for another. Eg., S5 in freestyle, SB4 or SB3 in breaststroke and SM5 or SM4 in the individual medley. Through this system of classification, athletes with a different type of disability can be classified into the same category as long as they have a similar or almost similar functional ability.

Also see:Swimming Committee of the International Paralympic Committee
Federation Internationale de Natation (FIΝA)

 

History

Swimming was included as a Paralympic sport at the first Games, which took place in Rome in 1960 and has since constituted an integral part of the Paralympic Games competition programme.
In Greece, Swimming has been developing as a sport for several years, and the first Greek National Championship was held in 1988. The greatest successes for Greek men and women swimmers were recorded at the Sydney Paralympic Games with the capture of two gold medals and one bronze, as well as several places in the list of eight finalists for many events.

Also see:Swimming Committee of the International Paralympic CommitteeFédération Internationale de Natation (FIΝA)

Equipment

The clothing and equipment of the athletes is comprised of a bathing swimsuit, swimming cap and goggles. The goggles protect the swimmers' eyes. It is forbidden for athletes to use or wear anything that might increase their speed, their ability to float, or their endurance.

Also see: Swimming Committee of the International Paralympic Committee Fédération Internationale de Natation (FIΝA)

Regulations
Rules

Participants in Swimming events are men and women athletes with a physical disability and with partial or total vision impairment.
The Swimming rules and regulations of the Swimming Committee of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), apply to swimmers with a disability in accordance with the mobility limitations presented by the swimmer. For example, the turn and the finish in the butterfly event, a swimmer with unequal arms lengths is allowed to touch the end wall with one hand, but the forward movement of the two arms must take place simultaneously.
Also see:Swimming Committee of the International Paralympic CommitteeFédération Internationale de Natation (FIΝA)

 

Events

Athletes with vision impairment
The swimmers with vision impairment are classified into three classes, according to the degree of their vision loss. The classes are: S11-SB11-SM11, S12-SB12-SM12 and S13-SB13-SM13. The classes starting with an S are for freestyle, backstroke and butterfly, the classes SB are for breaststroke and the classes SM for individual medley. The events included are:

50m, 100m and 400m freestyle
100m backstroke
100m breaststroke
100m butterfly
200m individual medley
4x100m freestyle relay and 4x100m medley relay
During a Swimming event, every athlete with total vision loss has an assistant to help him as he or she approaches the swimming pool end wall, either to make a turn or for the finish of the race. The assistant, using a pole at the end of which is attached a soft object, touches the swimmer on the head or shoulder as a warning that he or she is approaching the pool end wall.
Athletes with a physical disability
In the case of swimmers with a physical disability, classification is based on several factors.
Functional ability is assessed first, which includes the degree of muscle strength, movement coordination, limb length or the scope of the athlete's limb range of movement, based on the type of disability. The functional ability and the limitation of the athlete’s movements in the water are then assessed in the various swimming styles.
After the assessment is completed, athletes are classified as follows:

10 classes, S1-S10, in freestyle, backstroke and butterfly,
8 classes, SB2-SB9, for breaststroke and
8 classes, SM3-SM10, for individual medley.
According to this classification system, athletes with similar or like locomotor abilities are classified in the same category, regardless of the type of disability. The greater the potential of an athlete, the higher the category in which he or she will be classified. Furthermore, an athlete can be classified in one category for a certain swimming style and in a different category for another. For example, he or she can compete in category S5 in freestyle, SB4 in breaststroke and SM5 in the individual medley.
Depending on the categories in which each athlete with a physical disability is classified, he or she can participate in one or more of the following events:

50m and 100m freestyle: class S1 men only and S2 to S10
200m freestyle: class S2 men only and S3 to S5
400m freestyle: class S6 to S10
50m backstroke: class S1 men only and S2 to S5
100m backstroke: class S6 to S10
50m butterfly: class S4 to S7
100m butterfly: class S8 to S10
50m breaststroke: class SB2 men only and SB3
100m breaststroke: class SB4 to SB9
150m individual medley: class SM3 men only and SM4
200m individual medley: class SM5 men only and SM6 to SM10
Relay 4x50m freestyle and 4x50 medley relay
Relay 4x100m freestyle and 4x100m medley relay
Swimmers who, due to functional limitations, cannot make a start from the starting platform, have the right to start from inside the water. At the start, an assistant is allowed to hold certain identified swimmers by the feet, the legs, the hands or arms at the swimming pool end wall, but assistants are not permitted to give the athlete any impetus.

Also see: Swimming Committee of the International Paralympic Committee Fédération Internationale de Natation (FIΝA)

 

Boccia

Boccia is a competitive sport that is played by individuals, pairs or teams of three. Boccia is a sport for people with cerebral palsy and other locomotor disabilities, who are wheelchair users, on both recreational and competition levels. The sport requires concentration, coordination, muscular control, accuracy, teamwork, cooperation, and strategy.
Boccia matches are held in indoor halls, on specially marked courts. The players’ aim is to throw their coloured leather balls, which may be either red or blue, as close as they can to a white target ball, which is called the “jack”. The match begins with the spinning of a coin by the referee. The winning side chooses whether to play with red or blue balls. The side with the red balls initiates the first end (round) by throwing the “jack” first and then the first red ball. The ball can be propelled by the hand, the foot, or by using an assistive device when players have a severe locomotor disability that affects all four extremities. The match continues with the opponents taking turns in trying to throw their balls as closes as possible to the “jack”. At the end of each end the referee measures the distances of the balls that are closest to the “jack”, points are awarded accordingly and are accumulated to declare the winner.
Boccia at the 2004 Paralympic Games
During the Paralympic Games of Athens, Boccia was held at the Ano Liossia Olympic Hall. The competition programme was completed within six days, from 23 to 28 September 2004.The Court
Boccia is played indoors, on a flat, smooth surface. The dimensions of the court are 12.5 x 6 metres. The court contains a V-shaped line. In case the ‘jack’ lands inside the area, which is marked by the V-shaped line, the throw is considered invalid. On one of the short sides of the court is the throwing area, divided into six ‘throwing boxes’, which are the players’ positions. The court has a cross on a central point that marks the position where the ‘jack’ is placed if it touches or crosses the boundary lines or in case of a tie-break.

A: V Line / Jack Ball Line
B: Throwing Line
C: Box Lines

D: Border Lines
E: The Cross
F: Non valid area for the target ball
Divisions of Play
There are seven divisions of play. Each division is played by competitors of either sex. The divisions are:

Individual BC1
Individual BC2
Individual BC3
Individual BC4
Pairs for players classified as BC3
Pairs for players classified as BC4
Team for players classified as BC1 and BC2

Competition
The goal of the game is for players to throw their balls, blue or red, as close as possible to the ‘jack’. The referee spins a coin and the winning side chooses whether to play with red or blue balls. The side with the red balls always initiates the first end (round) by throwing the white ball (called the ‘jack’) first and then the first red ball. The ball can be propelled by the hand, the foot, or by using an assistive device when players have a severe locomotor disability that affects all four extremities.
In individual divisions, each match consists of four ends and each player throws six balls. In pairs divisions, each match consists of four ends and each player throws three balls (six balls per pair). In the team division, each match consists of six ends and each of the team’s three players throws two balls (six balls per team).
An end is completed once both sides have thrown all of their balls. The referee then measures the distances of the balls that are closest to the ‘jack’. Points are awarded accordingly, and are accumulated to declare the winner. One point is awarded for each ball that is thrown closest to the ‘jack’ than the opponent’s closest ball. If two same coloured balls– for example, two red balls – are closer to the ‘jack’ than any of the blue balls of the opposing side, the side with the red balls will receive two points. If two or more balls of different colours are at the same distance (equidistant) from the ‘jack’ and there is no other ball closer to it, then each side receives one point per ball. After the completion of all ends, the individual, pair or team with the higher total score is declared winner. If the scores are equal, a tie-break is played.
Each side (individual, pair or team) has a time limit to play in each end. The time starts at the moment the referee indicates which side plays and stops the moment each ball thrown becomes stationary within the court or crosses the court boundaries. The following time limits apply:

Individual BC1, BC2, BC4: 5 minutes per player per end
Individual BC3: 6 minutes per player per end
Teams BC1-2: 6 minutes per team per end
Pairs BC3: 8 minutes per pair per end
Pairs BC4: 6 minutes per pair per end

The time limit in which each athlete must complete his or her throws does not include the propelling of the ‘jack’.
If a side fails to release one or more balls within the time limit, these balls become invalid and are placed in the dead ball container. If a side releases a ball after the time limit is reached, then the referee ‘retracts’ it (stops the ball and removes it from the court before it disturbs play). If the ball disturbs any other balls before being retracted, the end will be ‘disrupted’ (stopped). A ‘retracted’ ball is placed in the dead ball container and remains there until the conclusion of the end.
Among the violations for which penalty balls are awarded during a match are actions such as:

1a player’s moving from the throwing box without permission,
2.the turning of an aide to the court during an end and before the referee has verbally announced the completion of the end,
3.violation of the rules governing communication between players, aides and coaches.

Violations for which penalty balls are awarded and the thrown ball is retracted:
1.If, while releasing the ball, the player, his or her assistant, or any of the material used, touches the court marking or a part of the court surface outside the player’s throwing box.
2.If the assistant does not move the assistive device to clearly break the plain of the previous shot before executing the next throw.
3.If the assistive device is hanging over the throwing line, while releasing the ball.
4.If the player releases the ball without having at least one buttock in contact with his or her throwing chair.
5.If the ball is touching a part of the court, which is outside the player’s throwing box while being released.

Actions that lead to the award of penalty balls and a warning:
1.If a player deliberately interferes with or distracts another player in such a way that it affects his or her concentration,
2.If a player deliberately causes a disrupted end.

Actions that lead to the retraction of the thrown ball:
1.Throwing the ball before the referee has indicated which side is to play;
2.Throwing the ball when it is the opposing side’s turn to throw (unless the referee has made an error).

Actions that lead to a warning:

1.Delaying a match without any specific reason,
2.If a player does not accept the referee’s decision or acts in a manner detrimental to the opponent(s) or the competition personnel.

A penalty is the award of two extra balls to the opposing side, and will be thrown at the conclusion of the end, without any particular time limit. The balls used are the dead balls. If there are not enough dead balls, the ball or balls, which are furthest from the ‘jack’, will be used. If a violation is committed at the time the jack is being thrown, the jack is given to the next player to play.
Finally, spectators are encouraged to remain quiet while a player is throwing the ball, so that the he or she can concentrate on the execution of the throw.

Classification

Classes
Players with cerebral palsy classified as CP1 or CP2 athletes, as well as athletes with other severe locomotor disabilities (e.g. muscular dystrophy), are eligible to compete.
Players are classified into four classes depending on their functional ability:

BC1: for both CP1 and CP2 players. Athletes may compete with the help of an aide, who must remain outside the athlete’s playing box. The assistant can only stabilize or adjust the playing chair and give a ball to the player.


BC2: for CP2 players. Players are not eligible for assistance by an aide.
BC3: for players with a very severe locomotor dysfunction. Players use an assistive device and are allowed to be assisted by an aide, who will remain in the player’s box but who must keep his/her back to the court and eyes averted from play.
BC4: for players with other locomotor disabilities. Players are not eligible for assistance by an aide.

Wheelchair Fencing

Fencing is a sport that calls for adaptability, inventiveness, good organisation, and patience. In order to master it, the fencer spends long hours practicing.

The athletes in Paralympic fencing are those with locomotor disabilities. They compete on wheelchairs. During a bout the wheelchairs are fixed to the ground. This nevertheless allows the fencer the freedom to execute rapidly alternating movements.

The sport is governed by the rules of FIE, the International Fencing Federation, and of the Fencing Committee of the International Paralympic Committee.
There are five fencing events in the Olympic Games, and each can be an individual event or a team event:

Foil (Men’s). Class A and class B
Foil (Women’s). Class A and class B
Epιe (Men’s). Class A and class B
Epιe (Women’s). Class A and class B
Sabre (Men’s). Class A and class B

Fencing at the 2004 Paralympic Games

Fencing at the Paralympic Games in Athens was held at the Fencing Hall - Preliminaries Terrain of the Helleniko Olympic Complex. The competition programme was completed within six days, from 18 to 23 September 2004.

Equipment


Weapons
There are three different weapons. The foil is the lightest. The épée is a descendant of the duelling weapon. The sabre is only for men fencers and resembles the cavalry sabre, though it is not as heavy.

Clothing
Fencers wear protective clothing consisting of a jacket, a mask and a glove.
For foil, fencers also have a protective - insulating cover on the wheel of the wheelchair, to prevent any hits in that area.
For epée a metal covering (an ‘apron’) is provided to protect the legs and the wheelchair.

Devise for Recording Hits
In Wheelchair Fencing an electronic device for recording hits is used, which consists of a 12-volt circuit connected to the fencers. This enables the fencers and the referee to determine and analyse hits. A coloured light on the machine (green or red) comes on to register a hit that counts, while a white light registers a hit that does not count.
Also see:International Wheelchair Fencing CommitteeInternational Paralympic Committee (IPC)International Fencing Federation

Regulations
Classes
An athlete is classified in one of three classes (A, B, or C) depending on his or her movement ability. Class A is for athletes who can keep their balance when sitting down; can move the trunk of their body in all directions; and have no restrictions to the fencing hand. Class B is for athletes whose ability to keep balance is limited, and who therefore need a support. Class C comprises athletes with greater restriction of trunk movement and fencing hand (e.g. tetraplegic athletes). At the Paralympic Games only the class A and class B events are conducted.

Technics

The Bout
In individual events, in the preliminary round, every bout lasts a maximum of 4 minutes. The winner is the first athlete to score five valid hits on the opponent by the end of the bout. Following the preliminary round, a knockout system is used where every bout lasts for three rounds of three minute each, with one minute between each round. The winner is the first athlete to score 15 valid hits (or, if 15 are not reached, the greater number of valid hits) on the opponent by the end of the bout. In case of equality at the expiration of time, a further minute of fencing time is given, and the athlete to score a hit on the opponent is declared the winner.
Team events consist of three fencers from Class A and B, including at least one from Class B. Fencers from Class C cannot take part in team events. The winning team is the first to reach 45 touches (or, if 45 are not reached, the greater number of touches) on their opponents by the end of the bout.

 

Paralympic Fencing events are held on a piste 4 metres long and 1.5 metres wide. Just as in Olympic fencing, the piste has a centre line. The difference between the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games is that in the latter a special device is used to anchor the two wheelchairs to the ground (the fencers being stationary when they compete), at an angle of 110° to the centre line. The distance between the fencers is determined by their position when en garde. That is, when one of them holds his or her hand with the weapon outstretched, he or she must be able to reach the other’s bent elbow. If both arms are not of the same length, then the measurement is made with the shorter arm.
The bout starts from the en garde position, with both fencers waiting for the referee’s command to begin. In this position, the trunk of the body must be upright and the weapons must not reach to the fencers’ en garde line.
The wheelchairs must not be moved or raised during the bout. If the fencer moves or loses balance, the referee will stop the bout. Fencers are not allowed to rise from their seat, either, or to use their legs and feet to gain advantage in attack or in defence.

Valid Hits and Touches
Hits and touches are deemed to be valid depending on which weapon is being fought with and where on the body a scoring touch is made.
In foil the valid surface is restricted to the trunk and does not include the limbs (arms and legs) or the head, while a hit can only be scored with the point of the weapon. In épée a touch may also only be made with the point of the weapon. In sabre a touch may be made either with the blade or with the point. In épée and sabre the valid area is any part of the body or of the wheelchair above a notional horizontal line passing across the hips (the hip-bones being taken as the lower limit).
Touches are indicated electronically and thus both the fencers and the public can observe valid hits. Fencers are connected to a 12-volt electrical circuit, which is part of the electronic indicator. This makes registering hits possible so that the athletes and the referee can see when a hit has occurred.
Each of the red and green coloured lights on the machine represents one of the two opponents and lights up for a valid hit. The white light indicates that the touch has been made on an impermissible point of the body.

Volleyball (Sitting)

Sitting Volleyball first introduced in 1956 and is one of the most important team sports for athletes with a disability. The differences between Paralympic and Olympic Volleyball are minimal. Specifically, in Sitting Volleyball the dimensions of the court are smaller, the 'filet' (net) is lower, and the athletes play sitting down.
The sport requires determination, cooperation and good strategy from the participants. Athletes with locomotor disabilities (amputations or other locomotor disabilities) are eligible to participate. In Sitting Volleyball the men and women athletes are not classified into classes as in other sports. However, they must fulfil the conditions of a minimum degree of disability.
The games take place in an indoor court between two teams, in a playing area measuring 10 x 6 metres. Each team consists of six players and up to six substitutes.

Also see:) International Volleyball Federation (FIVB)

Sitting Volleyball first appeared in 1956 in Holland and was a combination of Volleyball with Sitzbal, a game of German origin, which was played on the floor without a net, for athletes with limited mobility. Many international events took place up until 1978. The year 1980 was a landmark in the history of Volleyball for athletes with a disability, when it was first included into the competition programme of the Paralympic Games in Arnhem, the Netherlands, with the participation of seven teams. Since 1993, there have been Sitting Volleyball World championships for men and women.
Until the Sydney Paralympic Games in 2000, the sport consisted of two disciplines: Standing and Sitting Volleyball. Today, following a decision by the International Paralympic Committee, only Sitting Volleyball is included in the Paralympic Games competition programme.

Equipment

Ball
The ball can be of a single colour or a combination of several colours. Both its component materials and colour must be in compliance with the rules and regulations of the World Organisation of Volleyball for the Disabled (WOVD), as applied at every world championship or tournament. Its circumference is about 65-67 centimetres and its weight varies between 260-280 grams.

Football 7-a-side

Football 7-a-side is one of the most popular and spectacular sports in the world for athletes with a physical disability. Beginning in 1978, Football 7-a-side has spread to many countries, attracting more and more fans.
Athletes with cerebral palsy compete in the Football 7-a-side tournament. Every team consists of 12 players. Every Football match is played between two teams with seven players on each side, including the goalkeeper. A Football 7-a-side match lasts 60 minutes and is played in two halves of 30 minutes each, with a 15-minute half time in between. The winner is the team, which scores the most goals.
The rules and regulations of the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) and the Football Committee of the Cerebral Palsy International Sport and Recreation Association (CP-ISRA) govern the Football 7-a-side. Athletes with cerebral palsy compete in the sport.

History

The Football 7-a-side is one of the most spectacular sports for athletes with a physical disability. It first appeared as a sport at the International Games in 1978, in Edinburgh. A few years later, in 1984, it was incorporated into the official competition programme of the Paralympic Games, and in 1986 the first International Tournament took place.
The Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA), in cooperation with the Football Committee of the Cerebral Palsy International Sport and Recreation Association (CP-ISRA), are responsible for the international development of the sport.

Equipment

The Ball
It is made of leather or special synthetic material, has a circumference of 68-70 cm, weighs 410-450 grams, and must comply with FIFA rules.
Clothing
The athletes of a team are obliged to wear the same kit (uniform), which consists of a shirt, a pair of shorts and socks. The colours of the goalkeeper's uniform must be different from those of his teammates, as well as from those of the referee and his assistants (lines men).
Shin Pads
Special protective pads made of plastic or another soft material, such as rubber or caoutchouc, which are placed inside the athlete's socks, mainly to protect his shins.
Shoes
Special shoes with studs on the soles, to facilitate the athlete's movement on the ground.
Goalkeeper's gloves
Special gloves which facilitate the goalkeeper in stopping the ball and preventing the scoring of a goal. At the same time, they protect his hands.

Rules

Field of Play
The Football 7-a-side field of play consists of a rectangular pitch covered with natural or synthetic grass. It is 75 metres long and 55 metres wide. The boundaries of the ground are marked by the touch lines running along the side and the goal lines at either end. In the middle of the field is a 7 metres radius circle. The goal is 5 metres wide and 2 metres high. There is a white circular spot located at a distance of 9.20 metres from the goal, from where the penalty kicks are taken. At every corner of the ground there is a 1.5 metre tall flag and a line covering one-quarter of a circle, which marks the corner area.
The Match
Every Football 7-a-side match is played by two teams of seven players each, including the goalkeeper. During the game three substitutions are allowed per team, out of a total of five substitutes. The required ratio of players from the different classes must always be maintained. No match begins with fewer than five substitute athletes per team, while a game cannot continue with fewer than four athletes inside the field. Every player is identified by the number he carries on the back of his shirt.
A Football 7-a-side match consists of two halves of 30 minutes each, with a 15 minute half time in between. The aim of the two teams is to score goals, without violating the rules of the game. A necessary precondition is for the ball to cross the line entirely between the two goal posts. The team, which scores the most goals, is the winner.
In the semi-final or final, if the game ends in a tie after the completion of the two 30 minute halves, two 10 minute extensions of extra time follow, where the FIFA ‘Golden Goal’ rule applies. If there is no winner after the extra time, the teams follow a penalty kick procedure where five players from each team take a penalty shot each.
A referee, who is obliged to apply the rules of the game, monitors the game. Two assistant referees (linesmen), who move along the length of the touch lines, facilitate his task. Prior to the start of the game, the referee holds the toss of the coin. The team that wins chooses which side of the field it wants for the first half, while the other team is given possession of the ball at the start of the game.
Three of the most important differences between Football at the Olympic Games and Football 7-a-side at the Paralympic Games is that in the latter the following rules do not apply:

1.The off-side rule
2.In the Paralympic Games, the goalkeeper has the right to kick or throw the ball back into play again after taking four steps at the most. Furthermore, the ball must be outside the goal area before a player is allowed to return the ball to the goalkeeper again. Violation of the above rule results in the granting of an indirect foul from the spot where the violation took place.
3.The throw-ins can be done with one hand (while in Football at the Olympics it must be done with both hands). In this case, the player can “role” the ball in such a way that it touches the ground immediately after it is released from the player’s hand.

Cards

Yellow card: The referee shows the yellow card to a player who demonstrates unsportsmanlike behaviour, reacts in a bad way with words or gestures, violates the rules of the game, delays the recommencement of the game or abandons or enters the ground without the referee's permission.
Red card: The referee shows a red card and subsequently expels an athlete from the competition ground if he is playing in an unsportsmanlike manner, is demonstrating unbefitting behaviour, hits an opponent outside the scope of play, stops the ball with his hands and obstructs the opposing team or gets a second yellow card in the same game.

Classification

Athletes from the following classes compete in Football 7-a-side:
C5: This class consists of athletes who might need help when walking, but not in standing posture or when kicking the ball. Usually, a small shift in the central equilibrium of these athletes leads to the loss of balance.
C6: This class consists of athletes with athetosis, who can walk without any help although they have some visible difficulties. C6 athletes usually have difficulties in controlling their arms, but they have better coordination of their lower limbs, especially while running.
C7: This class consists of athletes with hemiplegia. Although the athletes in this class can walk without assistance, they have visible difficulties in walking. One side of the athletes body usually functions well.
C8: The C8 class consists of athletes with a small degree of hemiplegia. Athletes in this class walk and run freely, without assistance and without a visible difficulty. Their functional mobility is only slightly affected due to lack of coordination in the hands or in one leg.
At least one C5 or C6 class athlete per team must play throughout the game. If there isn’t one, then the team is obliged to play with six players. Furthermore, no more than three players from category C8 are allowed to play at the same time.

Football 5-a-side

Football 5-a-side is a very popular and spectacular sport for blind athletes and athletes with vision imairment. Every Football match is played between two teams with four blind athletes and one sighted or visually impaired goalkeeper on the field, and five substitutes. A Football match lasts 50 minutes with two halves lasting 25 minutes each and a 10 minutes half time in between. The winning team is the one, which scores the most goals during a match.
The rules and regulations of the International Association of Football Associations (FIFA) and the Football Committee of the International Blind Sports Association (IBSA) govern the 5-a-side Football. Athletes with total or partial vision impairment can participate in the sport.

History

There has been a rapid development of Football 5-a-side around the world. The first National Championship took place in Spain in 1986. Since then, the sport has been expanding in many countries. The Athens Paralympic Games will constitute a landmark for Football 5-a-side, since the sport will be included for the first time in the Games competition programme.
The Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA), in cooperation with the Football Committee of the International Blind Sports Association (IBSA), are responsible for the development of the sport.

Equipment

The Ball
It is made of leather or special synthetic material, has a circumference of 62 cm and weighs 490-520 grams. It has an internal sound device so the athletes can hear it.
Clothing
The athletes of a team are obliged to wear the same kit (uniform), which is comprised of a shirt, a pair of shorts and socks. The colours of the goalkeeper's uniform must be different from those of his teammates, as well as from those of the referee and his assistant (linesman).

Shin Pads
Special protective pads made of plastic or another soft material, such as rubber or caoutchouc, which are placed inside the athlete's socks, mainly to protect his shins.

Shoes
Special shoes with studs on the soles, to facilitate the athlete's movement in the ground.

Goalkeeper's gloves
Special gloves which facilitate the goalkeeper in stopping the ball and preventing the scoring of a goal. At the same time, they protect his hands.

Blindfolds or mask
The athletes who are inside the field of play, with the exception of the goalkeeper, wear blindfolds or a mask to guarantee equality among the players.

Rules

Field of Play

The Football 5-a-side field of play is a rectangular pitch covered with natural or synthetic grass. The pitch is between 38 and 42 metres long and between 18 and 22 metres wide.
The boundaries of the field are set by the touch lines along the side and the goal lines at the two ends. Along the sidelines a 2 metre tall protective fence is placed in order to define the field of play boundries to the visually impaired players. In the middle of the competition area is a 6 metre diametre central circle. The central circle halfway line divides the ground into two equal parts.
The goal is 3 metres wide and 2 metres high while the goalkeeper's area, around the goal, is 5x2 metres. There is a white circular dot at a distance of 6 metres from the centre of the goal, from which the penalty shots are taken. The double penalty spot is at a distance of 9 metres.

Classes
Athletes participate in 5-a-side Football from the following classes:
B1: Athletes with total vision loss.
B2, B3: Athletes with partial vision impairment.
In Football 5-a-side athletes who have full vision can compete as goalkeepers. In the event that the goalkeeper is sighted, he may not have been registered with any Football five-a-side or Football Federation (FIFA) in the last five years

The Game

Every team consists of eight football players and two goalkeepers. During the course of a Football 5-a-side match five athletes play for each team: four are athletes of the B1 category with total vision impairment and the fifth athlete is the goalkeeper, who may either be classified as B2 or B3 athlete. Each team is allowed to substitute up to five players from a total of five substitutes.
During a game the football players, with the exception of the goalkeeper, wear blindfolds or a mask to cover their eyes so that the element of Fair Play is maintained between players of different degrees of visual impairment. In the case that an athlete touches the blindfolds or mask, he is penalised with a violation (foul). If a player has five personal fouls he is excluded from the game and is substituted by another player. In the case that the goalkeeper goes outside the boundaries of his area, then a foul is awarded to the opposing team.
Finally, in the case that one player kicks or attempts to kick a player of the opposing team, or pushes a player of the opposing team by using his hands or legs, then he is penalised with a foul and the opposing team earns the right to take a penalty kick from the 6 metre spot.
Upon the taking of a penalty kick, the defending team has the right to form a defensive wall on condition that it has been penalised with up to three fouls in each half. If not, then the penalty kick is taken from the 9 metre spot without the formation of a defensive wall.
A Football match lasts 50 minutes and is played over two halves lasting 25 minute each, with a 10 minutes half time in between. The objective of the two teams is to score goals in the opposing goal, without violating the rules of the game.
In the semi-final or final, if the game ends in a tie after the completion of the two 25 minute halves, two 10 minute extension of extra time follow. If there is no winner after the extra time, the teams follow a penalty kick procedure.
A referee, who is responsible for applying the rules of the game, monitors the match. He is facilitated in his work by an assistant referee (linesman) who moves along the sidelines flanking the game area.

Cards

Yellow card: The referee shows the yellow card to a player who demonstrates unsportsmanlike behaviour, reacts in a bad way with words or gestures, violates the rule of the game, delays the recommencement of the game or abandons or enters the ground without the referee's permission.
Red card: The referee shows a red card and subsequently expels an athlete from the competition ground if he is playing in an unsportsmanlike manner, is demonstrating unbefitting behaviour, hits an opponent outside the scope of play, stops the ball with his hands and obstructs the opposing team or gets a second yellow card in the same game.

 

Cycling

Bicycle is one of the most popular means of transportation nowadays. It is also one of the favourite recreational sports for people of all ages. At first, Cycling became a sport for blind athletes and athletes with vision impairment, who started competing with tandem bicycles (bicycles with two saddles).
The Paralympic Games Cycling programme includes two disciplines: Road Cycling and Track Cycling. Road Cycling races take place on public highways, while the Track Cycling races take place on tracks, or in other words, a velodrome. Although the rules and regulations governing the sport are the same as those for the Olympic Cycling, in certain cases modifications to the bicycles are allowed in order to facilitate athletes with specific disabilities.
Athletes with partial or total vision impairment, celebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, amputees or any other permanent physical deficiency can participate in Cycling. The athletes are classified into categories based on their functional abilities together with the skills required for the sport. The athletes’ bicycles are modified, whenever considered necessary, according to the athletes’ needs.

Cycling is a relatively new sport for athletes with a disability. At the beginning of the eighties blind athletes and athletes with vision impairment began participating in Cycling competitions. Athletes with cerebral palsy and amputees first competed during the 1984 International Games for the Disabled.

The inclusion of Road Cycling in the competition programme of the 1988 Paralympic Games, in Seoul, constituted a milestone in the history of Cycling. Until the 1992 Paralympic Games in Barcelona, athletes in every disability class competed separately. The Track Cycling events were first included in the Paralympic Games programme, in 1996, in Atlanta.
The International Cycling Union (Union Cycliste Internationale – UCI), which was founded in Rome in 1900 and the Cycling Committee of the International Paralympic Committee, are responsible for the institution of the rules and regulations governing the sport and for the sports’ development worldwide.

Equipment

During competition, training and warm-up sessions at official competition venues, athletes have to wear a helmet.
The helmet’s colour depends on the athlete’s class:

Athletes in the men’s Tandem, LC1 and Group 2 classes must wear a red helmet,

Athletes in the mixed Tandem, LC3 and Group 3 classes must wear a blue helmet,
Athletes in the LC4 and Group 1 classes must wear a green helmet,
Athletes in the women’s Tandem, LC2 and Group 4 classes must wear a white helmet.

Disciplines
Track Cycling | Road Cycling

The Paralympic Games Cycling programme includes two disciplines: Road Cycling and Track Cycling. Road Cycling races take place on public highways, while the Track Cycling races take place on tracks, or in other words, a velodrome. Although the rules and regulations governing the sport are the same as those for the Olympic Cycling, in certain cases modifications to the bicycles are allowed in order to facilitate athletes with specific disabilities.
Athletes with partial or total vision impairment, celebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, amputees or any other permanent physical deficiency can participate in Cycling.

 

Eligibility

Athletes with a different kind and level of disability are competing at the Paralympic Games. In order to compete on equal terms, athletes are classified into different classes. Specialised medical and technical personnel, called classifiers, perform classification assessment. They are evaluating the athletes with various procedures and tests based on their functional ability to perform skills required by the sport. In that way it is guaranteed that the athletes competing within a class have equal or similar functional abilities. The International Paralympic Committee is the competent authority for all matters related to Cycling for athletes with a disability. Some of the rules that are followed for the cyclists’ classification are listed below.
Classes:Vision impaired and blind athletesLocomotor DisabledCerebral PalsyHandcycling
Vision impaired and blind athletes
Blind or visually impaired athletes compete on the rear of tandem bicycles, along with a sighted athlete, and are classified into three classes:

B1:Athletes with no light perception in either eye, and athletes with light perception who are unable to recognise the shape of a hand at any distance or in any direction are categorised as B1 athletes.
B2:Athletes who are able to recognise the shape of a hand up to visual acuity of 2/60 and/or visual field of less than 5 degrees, are categorised as B2 athletes.
B3:Athletes with visual acuity of 2/60 up to 6/60 and/or visual field of more than 5 degrees and less than 20 degrees are categorised as B3 athletes.

Note: All classifications are in the best eye with the best correction, i.e., all athletes who use contact or corrective lenses must wear them for classification, whether they intend to wear them in competition or not.

Athletes with Locomotor Disabilities (LC)
Athletes with a physical (locomotor) disability compete in four different classes: LC1, LC2, LC3 and LC4, where men and women compete together. Both men and women athletes are classified according to the same rules. However, women compete in one lower class level than the one in which the men with the respective degree of disability are classified. Eg., while a woman athlete might be classified in LC1, she will compete with cyclists in the LC2 class.

LC1:Athletes with minor or no lower limb disability are classified as LC1 athletes. Some examples of minimum disability of LC1 athletes are the following:
Amputation of more than half-foot.
Leg length difference of 7-12 cm.
Deformations of the spine which makes riding in a normal aerodynamic position not possible.
LC2:Athletes with disabilities in one leg, who are able to pedal normally using both legs, with or without prostheses, are classified as LC2 athletes. Some examples of minimum disability of LC2 athletes are the following:
Single above- or below-knee amputation with prosthesis.
Leg length difference of more than 12 cm.
Amputation or paralysis of both upper limbs with artificial handgrips on one or both sides.
LC3: Athletes with disabilities in one lower limb (with or without upper limb disabilities), most of whom pedal using one leg, are classified as LC3 athletes. Some examples of minimum disability of LC3 athletes are the following:Single above- or below-knee amputation without prosthesis, or with prosthesis such that the radius of rotation of pedal on the amputated side is 0 (zero) or not more than 6 cm.
Double below-knee amputation, with prostheses.
One lower limb not functional for normal pedaling, for example: radius of rotation of pedal is not more than 6 cm.
LC4:Athletes with more severe disabilities, which usually affect both lower limbs (with or without upper limb disabilities), are classified as LC4 athletes. Some examples of minimum disability of LC4 athletes are the following:
Double above-knee amputation, with one or two prostheses.
Single above-knee amputation and amputation of upper member, without leg prosthesis and holding the handlebar with only one hand.
Combination of above-knee and below-knee amputation with one or two prostheses.
Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Athletes with cerebral palsy compete in four different divisions: CP division 1, CP division 2, CP division 3 and CP division 4. Men and women cyclists compete together on equal terms.
CP Division 4:The least severely disabled athletes, who race on bicycles, are classified in this division. Division 4 equates to CP-ISRA Classes 8 and 7. An example of minimum disability is the following:
Possible loss of function by uncoordinated hands or one leg

CP Division 3 and 2:
Athletes in these divisions can choose whether they will compete on bicycles (Division 3), or tricycles (Division 2). Both divisions equate to CP-ISRA Classes 6 and 5. An example of minimum disability is the following:
Balance problems and difficulty with seated balance and control.
CP Division 1:The more severely disabled athletes, who race on tricycles, are classified in this division. Division 1 equates to CP-ISRA Classes 4, 3, 2 and 1. An example of minimum disability is the following:
Poor functional strength in trunk and all extremities

Handcycling (HC)
Handcycling athletes compete in two disability divisions: HC Division 4/3 and HC Division 2/1, with separate events for men and women. Athletes who, in their daily life use wheelchairs for general mobility, or athletes with severe deficiency in their lower limbs who are not able to compete with a bicycle or tricycle, are classified as Handcycling athletes.
One example of minimum disability of HC Division 4/3 athletes is the following:

Paraplegic or leg amputee with full trunk stability
Some examples of minimum disability of HC Division 2/1 athletes are the following:
Tetraplegic, quadriplegic or paraplegic
Limited use of arms and hands

Shooting

Shooting is one of the most popular sports worldwide. It requires technical perfection and excellent mental conditioning.
Shooting is open to men and women of all ages on both the recreational and championship levels. It was first included in the Paralympic Games sports programme in 1980 in Arnhem.
Both Olympic and Paralympic Shooting are governed by virtually the same rules and regulations. Certain adjustments have been made in the Shooting regulations for the Paralympic Games in order to facilitate athletes with a disability.
Shooting events differ as to the distance, the type of target and arm, the shooting position, the number of shots and the time within which the shots have to be fired.

Equipment

Targets
At the Paralympic Games the targets are electronic, making it possible to directly project the score on a screen. That way, spectators can be immediately informed and follow the progress of the event.
Clothing
Rifle
In the rifle events, competitors must wear Shooting clothing made according to the regulations of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF). The clothing must be of a specified thickness and stiffness of material. The clothing of an athlete consists of:

Shooting jacket
Shooting trousers
Shooting shoes
Shooting glove

Pistol
In the pistol events, competitors are not obliged to wear special Shooting clothing, but may wear special Shooting shoes, which provide extra stability. They are usually made of leather or fabric, and have inflexible soles.
Arms (guns)
Competitors fire with a rifle or with a pistol, which can either be air, or small bore, rifles or pistols.
In the 10m events, which are held with an air rifle or air pistol, cartridges of 4.5 mm diameter are used. In the 25 m events, which are held with a small-bore pistol, bullets of 5.6 mm diameter are used. The same bullets are also used in the 50 m range events, which are held with a small-bore rifle or pistol.

Regulations

Rifle | Pistol

The sport is governed by the rules of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) and the Shooting Sport Committee of the International Paralympics Committee. In all the events, the rules coincide with the relevant ones for athletes without a disability. Adjustments have been made to certain rules to facilitate shooters with a disability.
The rules of Shooting vary according to the discipline, distance, types of target and arm, shooting position, number of shots and the time within which the shots have to be fired. Special rules are applied to determine ranking in the event of a tie.
Classes
Both men and women athletes are classified into more than one category, according to their type of physical disability (amputation, paraplegia, quadriplegia or other physical disability). Depending on the existing limitations (degree of body trunk functionality, balance while seating, muscle strength, mobility of both upper and lower limbs), and on the skills that are necessary in Shooting, athletes are divided into two classes: SH1 and SH2. The basic difference between the two classes is that SH2 athletes may use a special support for the arm, which complies with the IPC specifications.
The competition chair, which can be a wheelchair or a bench, must comply with IPC specifications regarding its back and the supports used (table or bench). Chair specifications vary depending on the category.

Competition Event - Score
Each competition consists of a qualification and a final round. The score in the final round is added to the athlete’s score in the qualification round. The winner is the competitor who gathers the most points by the end of the competition.
The competitors win points according to the value of their shots. The target is comprised of 10 concentric scoring rings with a score grade of 1 to 10. The central ring gives 10 points, the next one nine, and the external ring one point. In the final, the rings are subdivided into more score zones with 10.9 being the highest possible score.

Technics
Rifle

The Rifle competitions consist of five events on a 10 m range and three events on a 50 m range.
Men’s 50 m free rifle three position (Code:R7)
Athletes fire 40 shots each in a prone, standing and kneeling position at a target 50 m away. The shots must be completed within 45 minutes for the prone, 75 minutes for the standing and 60 minutes for the kneeling position. An unlimited number of sighting shots are permitted before the match begins. The eight best shooters in the qualification round advance to the final. The final consists of 10 shots with a time limit of 75 seconds per shot in the standing position. Only SH1 class athletes take part in this event.
Mixed 50 m free rifle prone (Code: R6)
Athletes fire 60 shots in a prone position, at a target 50 m away. The shots must be completed within 75 minutes. An unlimited number of sighting shots are permitted before the match begins. The eight best men and women shooters in the qualification round advance to the final. The final consists of 10 shots with a time limit of 45 seconds per shot. Only SH1 class athletes take part in this event.
Women’s 50 m three position sport rifle (Code: R8)
Each athlete fires 20 shots in a prone, standing and kneeling position at a target 50 m away. The shots must be completed within 135 minutes. An unlimited number of sighting shots are permitted before the match begins. The eight best women athletes in the qualification round advance to the final. The final consists of 10 shots in a standing position. Each shot must be completed within 75 seconds. Only SH1 class athletes take part in this event.
10 m air rifle standing position - men (code: R1), women (code: R2), and mixed (code: R4)
Men and women fire shots in a standing position, at a target 10 m away. Specifically, in both mixed (R4) and men's (R1) competitions, the athletes complete 60 shots within a time limit of 105 minutes, with an unlimited number of sighting shots before the beginning of the match. At the women’s (R2) event, athletes fire 40 shots within 75 minutes, including sighting shots.
The eight best men and women athletes in the qualification round advance to the final round, which consists of 10 shots. Each shot must be completed within 75 seconds. SH1 class athletes compete in both men's and women’s events, while SH2 athletes compete at the mixed event.
Mixed 10 m air rifle prone position (R3 and R5)
SH1 category athletes compete in the R3 event, while SH2 athletes compete at the R5 event. Men and women fire 60 shots, at a target 10 m away. All shots must be completed within 90 minutes. An unlimited number of sighting shots are permitted before the match begins.
The eight best men and women athletes of the qualification round advance to the final. The final round consists of 10 shots, within a time limit of 75 seconds per shot.
Pistol

The pistol events consist of one competition on a 50 m shooting range, one competition on a 25 m range and two competitions on a 10 m shooting range.
Pistol shooters use a standing position and must hold and fire the gun with the one hand, with the wrist clearly free of support.
Mixed 50 m free pistol (code: P4)
Athletes fire 60 shots at a target 50 m away. The shots must be completed within a time limit of 120 minutes. An unlimited number of sighting shots are permitted before the match begins.
The eight best men and women shooters of the qualification round advance to the final. The final round consists of 10 shots. Each shot must be completed within 75 seconds. Only SH1 class athletes take part in this event.
Mixed 25 m sport pistol (code: P3)
The P3 event consists of two stages: a precision stage and a rapid-fire stage. The precision stage consists of six series of five precision shots (30 shots total), with a time limit of 5 minutes per series. The rapid-fire stage consists of six series of five rapid-fire shots (30 shots total). Each shot must be completed within 3 seconds. There is a 7 seconds rest period between shots.
Prior to each precision or rapid-fire stage, five sighting shots are permitted. The eight best men and women athletes of the qualification round advance to the final round, which consists of 10 rapid-fire shots. Only SH1 class athletes take part in this event.
10 m air pistol - Men (P1) and Women (P2)
Men and women shoot at a target 10 m away. Specifically, men fire 60 shots within 105 minutes and with an unlimited number of sighting shots before the beginning of the match. Women fire 40 shots within 75 minutes, including sighting shots fired prior to the beginning of the match.
The eight best men and women shooters of the qualification round advance to the final. The final consists of 10 shots, with a time limit of 75 seconds per shot. Only SH1 category athletes take part in this event.

Classification

Athletes with a physical disability (amputees and les autres cerebral palsy or spinal cord injuries) reaching the minimum disability criteria can compete in shooting.
Classes
Athletes are classified into two main classes, SH1 and SH2.
Class SH 1
Pistol and rifle competitors who don’t require a shooting stand.
Class SH 2
Rifle competitors who have measurable and/or visible permanent disability in the upper limbs, and therefore are unable to support the weight of a rifle with their upper limbs for the purpose of the competitions, and require a shooting stand.

Athletics

Athletics is one of the most popular Paralympic sports. Athletics was included in the competition programme of the first Paralympic Games in 1960 in Rome. It involves the largest number of men and women athletes and the largest number of events.
Participants in the Paralympic Games are men and women athletes with cerebral palsy, spinal chord injuries, amputations or other physical disabilities, blind athletes and athletes with vision impairment. The competition programme includes track and field events, throwing and jumping events, the marathon and pentathlon.
Athletes compete in a wheelchair or using prosthetic legs or arms (artificial limbs), while blind athletes compete with the help of a guide.
Athletes are classified in various classes, based on their type of disability:

Athletes with cerebral palsy are classified in classes 32 to 38. In classes 32 to 34, athletes compete in a wheelchair, and in classes 35 to 38 in an upright standing position.

Athletes with spinal cord injuries or other physical disabilities, other than cerebral palsy, are classified according to their mobility profile, in classes 51 to 54 for track events and 51 to 58 for throwing events. In these classes athletes compete in a wheelchair.

Athletes with an amputation of one or more limbs, as well as other physical disabilities (les autres) who compete in a standing position, are classified into classes 42 to 46.

Athletes with vision impairment and blind athletes are classified in the three classes 11, 12 and 13.

Athletes with dwarfism due to lack of cartilage formation ('achondroplasia') compete only in throwing events, in category 40.

 

History

Athletics is identified with Greece’s centuries-old history and it is no accident that the Greeks list Athletics as a ‘classical sport’. Athletics sport events were first held during the first Olympic Games in 776BC, with the staging of the "One Stadium" event (192.27 m event), which was the forerunner of the 200 m event of the modern Olympic Games.
Athletics (track and field) is one of the sports, which started being cultivated by athletes with a disability. The development of the sport started from the rehabilitation hospital of Stoke Mandeville, with the staging of the first track events with wheelchairs more than 50 years ago. Athletes gradually started to intensify their efforts and training, not only in track events covering various distances but also in throwing events.
Athletics was included in the competition programme of the first Paralympic Games in Rome in 1960, where only athletes in wheelchairs participated. In 1976 in Toronto, Canada, athletes with amputations and blind athletes and athletes with vision impairment participated for the first time, while in the 1980 Games in Aarnem, the Netherlands, athletes with cerebral palsy also participated. Since 1984, athletes with a disability participate in demonstration events at the Olympic Games, while from 1987 onwards they have been participating with demonstration events at every World Athletics Championships of the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations).

 

Equipment/regulations

Apart from the rules of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), which are valid for both Olympic and Paralympic Games athletes, also valid are the regulations adopted by the Athletics Committee of the International Paralympics Committee (IPC).
The competition programme includes 36 events: 18 for men and 18 for women:
Women: Track events: (100 m, 200 m, 400 m, 800 m, 1,500 m, 5,000 m, 10,000 m, 4 x 100 m relay, 4 x 400 m relay),
Jumping events: (high jump, long jump, triple jump), Throwing events: (shot put, discus throw, javelin and club throw), Pentathlon and Marathon.
Men: Track events: (100 m, 200 m, 400 m, 800 m, 1,500 m, 5,000 m, 10,000 m, 4 x 100 m relay, 4 x 400 m relay),
Jumping events: (high jump, long jump, triple jump), Throwing events: (shot put, discus throw, javelin and club throw), Pentathlon and Marathon.
Actually, at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, there will be143 events for Men and 62 events for Women due to the division into various classes.

Track Events

Description
The track events are divided into sprint events, semi-endurance (middle distance) events, endurance (long distance) events, events outside the stadium, and relay events (team events).
Sprint events include:
The 100 m event. It is the shortest distance in sprint events. Every athlete runs in his own lane (couloir).
The 200 m event. The 200 m is the modern equivalent of the ancient “stadium” event of 192.27 m. Many 100 m athletes also compete in the 200 m event, since these two events require similar abilities.
The 400 m event. It involves total coverage of the perimeter of the stadium and is considered an extended speed event. The 400 m is the modern equivalent of the ancient “diavlos” event of 2 x 192.27 m.
The middle-distance or semi endurance events include:
The 800 m event. This distance combines speed and endurance as well as tactics with athletes completing two laps of the stadium.
The 1,500 m event. Many 800 m athletes also compete in the 1,500 m since these two events require similar abilities.
The endurance events include:

The 5,000 m event. This event is similar to the “Dolikhos” of the ancient Olympic Games which consisted of twenty-five laps of the stadium (approximately 4,800 m).
The 10,000 m event. It is the longest distance run inside the stadium.
The relay events consist of the:

4 x 100 m event and
4 x 400 m event
Relay events can be traced to the ancient custom of sending messages via a series of couriers (skytalodromi or ‘runners with a message stick’). Each courier handed the stick over to the next until its destination was safely reached. In the relay event there are four runners from each country. Each runner covers a part of the distance before handing over the baton to the next runner. Changeovers have special rules and techniques and must be made within a specified area.
Men’s and Women’s Marathon constitutes the Paralympic Games road events. The Marathon is run over public roads. In 2004 the Marathon will be run on the 26 September on its historic course (42,195 m), starting in the town Marathonas and finishing in the Panathinaiko Stadium.


Rules
The rules and regulations governing Olympic Games track events are also valid for the Paralympic Games, with certain variations per class. The most important ones are the following:
In classes 32 to 34 (athletes with cerebral palsy) and 51 to 54 (athletes with spinal cord injuries), athletes compete in a special competition wheelchair which must comply with certain specifications. More specifically, it must have two large wheels of up to 70 cm in diametre and at least one smaller wheel of maximum 50 cm diameter. Furthermore, in the 800 m events and over, the starter can interrupt the event and declare a restart (recall) if there is a collision during the first 200 metres of the event. In all events above 800 metres, in the 4 x 400 m relay and in the marathon, runners must wear a helmet. Finally, during a event the runner who follows behind bears the responsibility of overtaking. The runner who leads must not obstruct or block the way of his or her fellow athlete, from the moment that the front wheels of the runner who is following behind appear.
In classes 11 and 12 (blind), the runners are allowed to have assistants/accompanying persons on the Field of Play. The assistants wear a brightly coloured waist-coat (gilet) so they can be distinguished from the blind runners. From the 100m to the 400m event, class 11 and 12 athletes compete along with an assistant (guide), in two lanes – one for the blind runner and one for his or her assistant. Under no circumstances is the guide allowed to lead ahead of the athlete. If the guide finishes in front of the blind runner, the athlete is disqualified. Finally, runners of class 11 must wear a blindfold on their eyes in all events up to 1,500 m inclusive.
In classes 35 - 38 (athletes with cerebral palsy) and 42 - 46 (athletes with amputations or other physical disabilities), it is not compulsory for the runners to observe the four supporting points at the starting line or to use starting blocks.

Jumping Events

Description
The competition programme of the Paralympic Games consists of three different categories of jumping events.
High jump: The athlete is disqualified from the event after three consecutive failures, regardless of the height.
Long Jump: The long jump event also took place at the ancient Olympic Games.
Triple Jump: The triple jump event originates from the ancient Greek triple jump (three simple, continuous jumps).
Rules
The rules and regulations which govern the Olympic Games jumping events are also valid for the Paralympic Games, with certain variations per class of man or woman athlete. The most important ones are the following:
In classes 42 to 44 (athletes with an amputation or other physical disability), the athletes with a disability in the lower limbs are allowed to perform the high jump event by doing skips and springing to take a run-up, or to take the jump from a fixed point without a run-up.
In classes 11 to 13 (athletes with vision impairment and blind athletes), the orientation of the athletes in running and in stepping on the take-off board is done with the verbal assistance of the guide. For this reason, spectators must remain absolutely quiet and only after the end of the attempt may they applaud or cheer the athlete. Particularly for athletes in classes 11 and 12, the take-off board in long jump and triple jump has dimensions of 1.00 x 1.22 metres and is covered by a white dust (eg. magnesium) so that the trace left by the step is clearly visible.

 

Throwing Events

Description
There are four different throwing events: the shot put, discus, javelin, and clubs. The weight of the implements (the shot put, discus, javelin and clubs) varies according to the class and the gender of the athlete.
Shot put
Historically this event derives from the ancient Greek sport of throwing stones. The shot is thrown from a cement-throwing circle of 2.13 m diameter which also has a stop board on it.
Discus Throw
The discus derives from the ancient Greek discus throw. The discus is thrown from a cement throwing circle of 2.5 m diameter. For the safety of the spectators, the circle is surrounded for three quarters of its perimeter with a netting cage to a height of at least 4 m.
Javelin
The javelin was on the programme of the ancient Olympic Games as one of the pentathlon sports.
Club
This is another throwing event for classes 32 and 51. The club is thrown from a discus throwing circle. The club’s overall length is 39 cm and its overall weight is 397 gr. It’s made of wood and it has a metal tip which weights 10,7 gr.
Rules
The rules and regulations governing the Olympic Games throwing events also apply for the Paralympic Games, with certain variations per class of man or woman athlete. The most important ones are the following:
In classes 32 to 34 (athletes with cerebral palsy) and 51 to 58 (athletes with spinal cord injuries), the athletes compete while sitting on a specially designed chair, which is up to 75 cm from the ground and which, according to the regulations, is stabilised on the throwing circle with belt straps or other means. No part of the chair or lever, which is used for support, must protrude from the throwing circle or touch the ground outside the throwing circle.
In classes 32 to 34 and 51 to 56 the throwers must have at least one part of their pelvis on the seat until the throwing instrument has been released. In classes 32 to 34 and 57 to 58, athletes start the throw in a sitting position and, if they lift their pelvis, their leg must not lose contact with the surface of the throwing circle. In the club throw only athletes from categories 32 and 51 may participate.
In classes 11 to 12 (athletes with partial or total vision impairment), verbal assistance from a guide is permitted. But guidance must be provided in such a way as not to interfere with the work of the judges. Athletes of class 11 in particular must wear a blindfold throughout the throwing event. The weight of the throwing implements varies for men and women and per class.

Combined events

Pentathlon
The pentathlon is the only combined event in the Paralympic Games programme. It consists of five individual events. The pentathlon events vary according to the class and gender of the athletes participating in an event.
For example, pentathlon for the men and women athletes in category 51 includes 100m, 400m and 800m track events, club and the discus throw. However, for women athletes in categories 35 and 36 it includes shot put, javelin, discus, and the 200m and 800m track events.
An athlete receives scores for each of the events. The winner is the competitor scoring the highest total of points regardless the place he/she will have at the various events.

Judo

Although Judo is a martial art, its practice and methods are based around gentleness. Giving way to the strength of the opponent, adapting to and using it to your advantage, will achieve victory over the opponent.
“When a stronger man pushes me with all his might, I will be beaten if I simply go against him. If, instead of opposing his pushing I retreat more than he pushes or turn aside the direction of his pushing, he naturally leans forward through his own pushing and loses his balance, and if utilizing his pushing strength I apply a certain technique on him, it is quite possible to make him fall, as he is losing his balance. Sometimes he will fall merely if I turn my body skillfully. This is one simple instance of how, by giving way, a contestant may defeat his opponent. There in lies the principle of gentleness”.
Jigoro Kano, What is Judo, Kodokan, 1947.
Description
The two judokas (athletes) one in a white and one in a blue uniform (judogi) - compete for five minutes. In Paralympic Judo, the athletes are blind or vision-impaired. They are guided by their touch, sensibility, instinct and sense of balance. A main referee and two more judges arbitrate a Judo contest. All officials are of equal status and calls are decided by vote. The main referee calls all points and penalties while performing the designated hand gestures. The referee gives the signal for the beginning of the match after the two athletes have come into contact.
To win the contest a judoka must score an Ippon (a degree equalling 10 points) by using a successful technique. If none of the judokas completes an Ippon by the end of the game, the winner is the one to have scored the greatest value point.

 

Jigoro Kano was the one to introduce Judo in Japan, in 1882. Its techniques derived from martial arts developed over centuries in various “Ju jitsu” schools. Jigoro Kano devoted his life to promoting the sport and training new athletes and thereby created a legacy for today’s generations.
Starting in 1909 and for the next 30 years, Jigoro Kano participated in the Olympic Movement as a member of the IOC; he was one of Baron Pierre de Coubertin’s main associates. In addition, Jigoro Kano was the one to first propose the founding of the International Judo Federation (IJF) in the 1930s. The federation was finally established in 1951 by 13 European country-members. Today the federation counts more than 180 countries as its members.
Men’s Judo was the first sport originating from Asia to be introduced in the Paralympic Games schedule at the 1988 Games in Seoul. Women’s Paralympic Judo has been developing at a fast pace and will be included in the Paralympic Games schedule for the first time at the Athens Paralympic Games.
Paralympic Judo is governed by the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA). IBSA was founded in Paris in 1981 and aims to organise sports events and championships for blind and vision impaired athletes. IBSA is a member of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), which leads the Paralympic Movement.
Judo made its appearance in post-War Greece and started developing after the Korean War. It was acknowledged as a sport and included in the Hellenic Amateur Athletics Association (SEGAS) in 1977. In 1985 the Hellenic Judo Federation (EOT) was founded.

 

Jigoro Kano was the one to introduce Judo in Japan, in 1882. Its techniques derived from martial arts developed over centuries in various “Ju jitsu” schools. Jigoro Kano devoted his life to promoting the sport and training new athletes and thereby created a legacy for today’s generations.
Starting in 1909 and for the next 30 years, Jigoro Kano participated in the Olympic Movement as a member of the IOC; he was one of Baron Pierre de Coubertin’s main associates. In addition, Jigoro Kano was the one to first propose the founding of the International Judo Federation (IJF) in the 1930s. The federation was finally established in 1951 by 13 European country-members. Today the federation counts more than 180 countries as its members.
Men’s Judo was the first sport originating from Asia to be introduced in the Paralympic Games schedule at the 1988 Games in Seoul. Women’s Paralympic Judo has been developing at a fast pace and will be included in the Paralympic Games schedule for the first time at the Athens Paralympic Games.
Paralympic Judo is governed by the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA). IBSA was founded in Paris in 1981 and aims to organise sports events and championships for blind and vision impaired athletes. IBSA is a member of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), which leads the Paralympic Movement.
Judo made its appearance in post-War Greece and started developing after the Korean War. It was acknowledged as a sport and included in the Hellenic Amateur Athletics Association (SEGAS) in 1977. In 1985 the Hellenic Judo Federation (EOT) was founded.

 

Regulations
Rules
Glossary

Field of play - The mat
A Judo contest is conducted on a square 10 m x 10 m mat (Tatami). There is a 1 m x 1 m danger area and a 3 - 4 m outer safety area. The colour of the mat varies. Green is usually preferred for the competition and safety zone areas and red for the danger area.
The Contest
The International Judo Federations’ regulations apply to Paralympic Judo competition. One of the main differences between Paralympic and Olympic Judo is that in Paralympic Judo are allowed to come into contact with their opponent, prior to the beginning of the match. The referee signals the start of the game, after the athletes grab their opponent’s judogi (uniform).
To win the contest a judoka must score an Ippon (a degree equalling 10 points) by using a successful technique. Lesser scores such as waza-ari (7 points), yuko (5 points) and koka (3 points), can be awarded when a technique does not warrant an Ippon. Athletes may also receive penalties of corresponding points: hansoku make (Ippon), keikoku (waza-ari), chui (yuko) and shido (koka).
Two waza-ari add up to an Ippon. This also applies if one competitor has already scored waza-ari and the opponent is subsequently given a penalty of keikoku. Yuko and koka do not add up. The athlete who has gained more points at the completion of the five minutes is the winner.
An Ippon is given to the athlete who manages to throw his opponent on his back with a technique combining speed, force and control.
A waza-ari is awarded to an athlete when the referee and judges consider an element of the Ippon to be missing. This may be the case if the opponent does not fall on his/her back or that the athlete has not demonstrated enough force.
A yuko is awarded when two of the required elements are missing. This may be the case when the opponent falls on his/her side.
A kοkα awarded when three of the required elements are missing. This may be the case when the opponent falls on his/her shoulder or leg.
An Ippon is also awarded, when an athlete applies an osaekomi technique and manages to hold his/her opponent to the ground for 25 sec. The referee calls the beginning and the end of the osaekomi countdown.
Waza-ari is awarded when the opponent is unable to escape for more than 20, but less than 25 seconds.
Yuko is awarded when the opponent is unable to escape for more than 15, but less than 20 seconds.
Koka is awarded when the opponent is unable to escape for more than 10, but less than 15 seconds.
An Ippon is finally awarded to an athlete who applies a strangling or joint technique and thereby forces his/her opponent to give up by tapping twice or more with his/her hand, or says “maitta” (I give up).
Categories
There are seven categories for men and six for women, in which visually impaired or blind athletes compete:
Men
-60 Kg
-66 Kg
-73 Kg
-81 Kg
-90 Kg
-100 Kg
+100 Kg

Women
-48 Kg
-52 Kg
-57 Kg
-63 Kg
-70 Kg
+70 Kg

Rules of conduct
Judo has two main elements, the sporting skills of attack and defense and the culture of the sport through, which these skills are performed. The moral code of Judo is politeness, courage, sincerity, self-control, honour, modesty, friendship and respect. In Judo competition, a judoka can be disqualified for deliberately hurting their opponent.
The bow
Bowing is the most visible of the rituals of Judo. In competition, judokas bow to each other at the beginning and end of the contest to show their respect and courtesy to each other as opponents and to the institution of Judo, which fosters fair play. The bow is used because it is a physical act of humility, gratitude and appreciation.

Glossary

Ju: Gentleness, giving way

Do: Principle, way

Judo: The way of gentleness

Judoka: Judo contestant

Shinpan: Referee

Judogi: Judo suit

Eri: Lapel

Obi: Belt

Kyu: Grade, degree

Dojo: Practice hall

Tatami: Judo mat

Shiai: Contest

Repechage: Repechage (second chance)

Hajime: Start, begin

Matte: Wait

Sono mama: Don’t move

Yoshi: Carry on

Osaekomi: Hold-down

Toketa: Broken hold-down

Maitta: I surrender

Sore-made: This is the end

Ippon: 10 points- a full score

Waza-ari: 7 points

Yuko: 5 points

Koka: 3 points

Waza-ari-awasete-ippon: Two waza-ari score Ippon

Shido (Koka): Note (penalty)

Chui (Yuko): Caution (penalty)

Keikoku (Waza-ari): Warning (penalty)

Hansoku-make (Ippon): Disqualification (penalty)

Rei: Bow

Waza: Move technique

Tokui-waza: Athlete’s favourite technique

NAGE-WAZA: Throwing techniques

Tachi-waza: Standing techniques

Te-waza: Hand techniques

Koshi-waza: Hip techniques

Ashi-waza: Foot and leg techniques

Sutemi-waza: acrifice techniques

Ma sutemi-waza: Supine sacrifice techniques

Yoko sutemi-waza: Side sacrifice techniques

KATAME-WAZA: Grappling techniques

Ne-waza: Ground work/techniques

Osae-komi-waza: Hold-down techniques

Shime-waza: Strangulation techniques

Kansetsu-waza: Joint techniques

 

Archery

As the majority of sports for persons with a disability, Archery originally started as a rehabilitation and recreation activity. Over the past fifty years, this sport gives the chance to athletes with a disability to practice their expertise, accuracy, strength, and concentration.
Athletes with a physical disability such as spinal injuries, cerebral palsy, amputations and Les Autres take part in the Paralympic Games Archery. Athletes fall into three classes. Their aim is to shoot arrows accurately at a 122-cm diameter target, 70 metres away. There are both individual and team events.

Athletes are classified into three classes: ARW1, ARW2 and ARST:
ARW1
Defined as tetraplegic archer in a wheelchair or comparable disability.
Minimum disability in each arm: 5 points, associated with, minimum disability of 15 points in the trunk or of 35 points in lower limbs or of 8 points in the trunk and 20 in lower limbs.
Practical Profile:
Arms: Limitations in functional range of movement, strenght or control.
plus
Trunk: poor or non-existing control and/or balance, static and with the bow aimed to the target and/or
Lower Limbs: considered non-functional due to amputation, limitation in range of movement, strenght and/or control (almost non-functional for ambulation over long distances)

ARW1-C
Within ARW1, archers with a higher handicap could be allocated to a sub-class ARW1-C allowed to compete in facilitate rounds.
Minimum disability in each arm: 20 points associated with
Minimum disability of 15 points in the trunk or of 35 points in lower limbs or of 8 points in the trunk and 20 in lower limbs.
ARW2
Defined as paraplegic archer in a wheelchair or comparable disability.
Practical Profile:
Arms: No limitations in functional range of movement, strength or control
Trunk: from good to very poor or non-existing control and balance, static and with the bow aimed to the target.
Lower Limbs: considered non-functional due to amputation, limitation in range of movement, strength and/or control (almost non-functional for ambulation over long distances).

ARST
Defined as Standing archers or shooting from a chair.
Practical Profile:
Lower Limbs: functional for ambulation over long distances.
They require to reach minimum handicap in functional evaluation.
Minimum disability of 10 points in one leg or 15 points in two legs or 25 points in the total or a difference of lower limbs length of 7 cm.
Within ARST archers with severe disabilities of upper extremities may be allocated to a sub-class ARST-C allowed to compete in facilitate rounds.
Minimum disability in each arm: 20 points or 40 points in the string arm.

The sport is governed by the rules of the International Archery Federation (FITA), in conjunction with the rules of the Archery Committee of the International Paralympic Committee.
Classes
Athletes are classified into three classes: ARW1, ARW2 and ARST.

ARW1 athletes, are mainly athletes with tetraplegia and with limitation on the movements of the upper and lower limbs. ARW1 athletes compete in a wheelchair.

ARW2 athletes, are mainly athletes with paraplegia, and limited movement of the lower limbs. Athletes compete in a wheelchair.
ARST athletes, are athletes with limited mobility of the lower limbs, who are though able to walk. Athletes in this category can choose to compete either standing or on a stool.

Archery Match
The competition format in the Paralympic Games is called the ‘Olympic Round’. A total of 96 archers (64 men and 32 women) participate in the Olympic round. For each of the three classes - ARW1, ARW2, ARST - there are individual men and women events. In the individual women event, archers from ARW1 and ARW2 classes may choose to compete together. In the team events, every team consists of three athletes with the same nationality. Both men and women team events are open to all categories, meaning that athletes from all three classes can form a team.
In Archery each athlete’s aim is to land the arrows in the ‘inner’ ring of the target, so as to earn the highest score. The targets are placed 70 metres away from the athletes. Each target is 1.22 metres in diameter and consists of ten scoring zones marked out as ten concentric circles or rings.
A hit in the innermost ring scores 10 points, a hit in the outermost ring scores 1 point, and a hit in one of the rings between scores from 2 to 9 points, depending on which ring the arrow will pierce. If the arrow lands on the boundary between two rings, the higher score is awarded. If it pierces another arrow, valid is the score earned by the first arrow. If the arrow bounds on the target, the draw counts only when a trace is left on the target.
Ranking Round
Before the Olympic Round begins, a ranking
round is shot. Athletes shoot 12 ends of 6 arrows each at the target (72 shots in all). Once the ranking round is completed, archers are positioned in the ranking list, at places 1 to 32, depending on the total score from the shots.
The Olympic Round - Individual Events
The Olympic Round begins when the Ranking Round is over. Initially the archers compete in the Preliminary (or elimination) Round. Depending on their ranking, the Olympic Round begins: athlete No. 1 is matched against athlete No 32, athlete No 2 against No.31, and so on. Each archer shoots six ends of three arrows, with a maximum of 40 seconds time allowed per arrow. The winners go through to the next round, where they continue in the same manner, until the quarterfinals, with eight archers left. In the quarterfinalsarchers shoot four ends of three arrows at a time, with a maximum of 40 seconds time allowed per arrow. The ends are shot in alternation. The four
winners then compete in the semi finals and finals for the bronze, silver and gold medals.
The Olympic Round – Team Events
A total of 24 teams, 16 men teams and 8 women teams, each consisting of three archers from the same country, participate in the team events. The scores earned from the team’s athletes in the ranking round are added, so that the teams are ranked from 1 to 16 for men and 1 to 8 for women.
In the preliminary round the teams compete simultaneously. Each contest consists of three ends of nine arrows, with a maximum of 3 minutes allowed per end. The four best women and men teams advance to the final round. Each team shoots three ends of nine arrows at a time (each member shooting three arrows), with a maximum of 3 minutes time allowed per end.