Disabled Sports

Generally, disabled sports are sports played by individuals with physical or mental disabilities; the term often refers to sports which have been devised or modified specifically for this purpose. Because of this they are more correctly termed adaptive sports.

Organised competitions in this area are believed to have begun after World War II, with large numbers of disabled war veterans seeking some form of competitive activity. Competitions are often separated based on the type and severity of disability.

Large numbers of disabled people now participate in some form of sport, and elite competitions have sprung up, similar to the Olympics. The Special Olympics and Paralympic Games are two competitions for disabled individuals recognised by the International Olympic Committee.

The Special Olympics specialises in mentally disabled athletes; it is organised independently of the Olympics, but has been granted the right to use the word "Olympics" by the International Olympic Committee.

The Paralympic Games include both individuals with mental and physical diabilities, and are a multi-sport event usually held in an Olympic host city a short time after the Olympic competition is completed.

Most sports played by the able-bodied have been adapted to be played by people with varying types of disability. Some of the more popular team sports include:

• adaptive skiing
• wheelchair basketball
• wheelchair rugby
• wheelchair tennis
• amputee soccer
• blind cricket
• sledge hockey
• amputee golf