About the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games

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The Paralympic Games are a major international multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities. The term "Paralympics" is a combination of the words "paraplegic" (originally) and "Olympics," highlighting the close relationship between the two events. The Paralympics are held every four years, just like the Olympics, with separate events for the Summer and Winter Games. They usually take place shortly after the respective Olympic Games, often using the same venues and facilities.

The Paralympic Games aim to promote the spirit of sportsmanship, competition, and inclusiveness, showcasing the incredible skills and determination of athletes with disabilities. The Paralympics have grown significantly since their inception and now feature thousands of athletes from over 100 countries competing in various sports.

The first official Paralympic Games were held in Rome in 1960, but the origins of the event can be traced back to the Stoke Mandeville Games, which were organized by Dr. Ludwig Guttmann in 1948 for British World War II veterans with spinal cord injuries. Over the years, the event expanded to include athletes with various disabilities, such as visual impairments, amputations, and intellectual disabilities.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is the governing body responsible for organizing the Paralympic Games and promoting the Paralympic Movement worldwide. The IPC classifies athletes according to their disability to ensure fair competition, and the classification system is continuously updated and refined.

The Paralympic Games feature a wide range of sports, some of which are unique to the event, such as goalball, boccia, and wheelchair rugby. Other sports are adapted versions of those in the Olympics, like wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, and para-swimming. The number of sports and events included in the Paralympics has grown over time, reflecting the increasing diversity of the athlete population and the ongoing efforts to make the games more inclusive.