New Paralympics Sports and More at 2024 Games

Sports Added to the Paralympics

As the Paralympic Games approach, there are several exciting additions and changes to the sports lineup. For the first time, France will host the Summer Paralympic Games, and they plan to kick off the event with a parade up the iconic Champs-Élysées.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has sanctioned 28 Paralympic sports for the 2024 Games. The two newest additions to the roster are:

• Badminton
• Para Taekwondo

These sports join a diverse range of competitions, including:

• Archery
• Athletics
• Boccia
• Canoeing
• Cycling
• Equestrian
• Football (soccer)
• Goalball
• Judo
• Powerlifting
• Rowing
• Rugby
• Sailing
• Shooting
• Sitting Volleyball
• Swimming
• Table Tennis
• Triathlon
• Volleyball
• Wheelchair Basketball
• Wheelchair Fencing
• Wheelchair Rugby
• Wheelchair Tennis

Classification System in the Paralympics

The Paralympic classification system ensures fair competition among athletes with a wide range of disabilities. Athletes are classified into different categories based on the impact of their impairment on their ability to participate in a particular sport.

The classification process involves a comprehensive assessment of:

• Muscle strength
• Range of motion
• Coordination
• Endurance
• Vision and hearing
• Intellectual functioning

These assessments help determine which class an athlete will compete in, ensuring that they face opponents with similar levels of ability.