Adaptive sports are competitive or recreational sports for people with disabilities. Since 1960, the world has witnessed inspiring moments from the world-renowned Paralympics event to see the incredible feats of individuals with physical disabilities in sports. Help us spread awareness of the international recognition of Paralympians.
The Paralympics' Most Memorable Moments
The Paralympics is a sporting event for qualifying athletes with physical and intellectual disabilities. Becoming a Paralympian is no easy task; athletes must compete at local, state, regional, national, and international levels to receive status as emerging athletes and an opportunity to qualify for the games.
In 2016 the games were broadcast in more than 150 countries, attracting 4.1 billion people (a 7% increase from the 3.8 billion people that watched the London 2012 event). If you missed it, check out some memorable moments here:
Adaptive Sports: The Stars That Break Boundaries
Check out these individual features of athletes in adaptive sports who break down barriers, reveal hidden character, teach essential life lessons, and expand their potential, such as Paralympian Kari-Miller Ortiz, a passenger in a car struck by a drunk driver.
They amputated her leg from the accident, and she had to re-learn her favorite sport, Basketball, by competing in wheelchair basketball. Kari was dejected after trying out for her college team and had to rediscover a new love, volleyball. Years of persistence, rejection, and trials led her to become a Gold-medalist at sitting volleyball at the 2016 Paralympics games. Read more here on other athletes or Kari's story: https://www.abilities.com/community/adaptive-sports.html.
Resources...
Link to SPAN's website: www.spanadvocacy.org
Link to SPAN's Youth in the Know Resource Page: Youth in the Know
We're here for you! Call SPAN if you need assistance:1-800-654-7726.
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