The Paralympic Games

The Paralympic Games are a famous sports event for athletes with disabilities. They happen every four years, just after the Olympic Games. Thousands of athletes from many countries come to compete. The games show how strong and skilled these athletes are.

How They Started

The Paralympics began in England in 1948. A doctor named Ludwig Guttmann wanted to help soldiers hurt in World War II. He set up sports games for people in wheelchairs. The first official Paralympic Games were held in Rome, Italy, in 1960. Now they are one of the biggest sports events in the world.

The Sports

Paralympic athletes play many sports like swimming, track, basketball, and cycling. Some use wheelchairs, and others use special gear to help them compete. There are Summer and Winter Paralympic Games. Sports like wheelchair rugby and sitting volleyball are fan favorites. Athletes train for years to reach the Paralympics.

Fun Facts

• The word 'Paralympic' comes from 'parallel' and 'Olympic'.
• The Paralympic flag has three colors: red, blue, and green.
• More than 4,000 athletes took part in the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

Did You Know?

Paralympic athletes can run, swim, and bike as fast as many athletes without disabilities. Some even break world records.