How to Compete in the Paralympics

The Paralympics are held the same year as the Olympic Games, and now are in the same city and use many of the same venues. The idea began in 1948 as a sports competition for World War II veterans with disabilities, and has grown into a major worldwide event.

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine if you are eligible. Athletes may compete in the Paralympics if they have cerebral palsy, spinal injuries, amputated limbs, visual impairments, have an intellectual disability or have some other mobility disability. Each sport conducts its own physical and technical assessment, including observations in and out of competition.

    • 2

      Get in shape. The Paralympics attract top athletes from around the world, and a disability doesn't interfere with their ability to be in the best possible shape and conditioning. You have to be an elite athlete to have a chance of getting on the Paralympic team.

    • 3

      Pick your sport. The Summer Paralympic games lineup includes 20 sports, and another 5 are featured at the Winter Games. Decide which one you like and gives you the best chance of becoming one of the best athletes in the world.

    • 4

      Learn the requirements. Paralympic competitors are divided by classification based on their level of disability, much as boxers compete against others based on weight. You'll want to know your disability classification, as well as the rules, regulations and requirements for competing for a spot on the Paralympic team.

    • 5

      Contact your federation. Each Paralympic sport is run by a federation that sets standards and chooses the teams. Use them as a resource for information about all aspects of your sport, including the location of competitions.

    • 6

      Get a coach. If you want to compete in the Paralympic Games, you'll need to be better than hundreds of other athletes competing for the same spot on the team. Find a top coach who can help you train. Your sport's federation is a good resource.

    • 7

      Practice, practice, practice. Prepare to make winning a spot on the Paralympics team your only priority for several years. You'll need to travel to competitions and train on a daily basis in order to have a chance of making the team.