Paralympics and BlazeSports
KNR 270
Paralympicswww.paralympic.org
• Competition for elite athletes with disabilities
• International Paralympics Committee
• Para (beside) Olympics– Since 1988 held in same cities and
venues as Olympics• Winter 2010 Vancouver• Summer 2012 London• Winter 2014 Sochi Russia
– Feb. 7-23 Olympics: March 7-16
• Summer 2016 Rio
2012 London
• Athletes – 4,237– Men – 2,736; Women – 1,501
• Spectators – 2.7 million– Most events were sold out
• Volunteers – 70,000
Disabilities
• Paraplegia• Quadriplegia• Muscular
Dystrophy• Post Poliomyelitis• Spina Bifida• Amputation• Congenital
Absence
• Short Stature• Cerebral Palsy• Multiple Sclerosis• Visual Impairment• Intellectual
Impairment (new)
Summer Sports
• Archery• Track & Field• Boccia• Canoe• Cycling• Equestrian• Football• Goalball• W/C Dance Sport
• Judo• Power lifting• Rowing• Sailing• Shooting• Sitting Volleyball• Swimming• Table Tennis• Triathlon
Summer Sports
• Wheelchair basketball• Wheelchair fencing• Wheelchair tennis• Wheelchair rugby• Wheelchair tennis
Winter Sports
• Alpine skiing– Snowboard debut 2014
• Biathlon• Cross-country skiing• Ice sledge hockey• Wheelchair curling
Media Coverage
• NBC and NBCSN will have about 52 hours of coverage in US
• First time we will be able to watch live• Will stream live on
www.paralympics.org
http://www.teamusa.org/
Controversies
• Swimmer is fighting a ruling: She is not disabled enough
• Blade Runner’s artificial legs controversy
BlazeSports Americawww.blazesports.org
• Started after 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta, GA.
– 1st time held on American soil
• Mission:– Improve the lives of children & adults
with physical disabilities worldwide through sport, healthy lifestyle, the prevention of chronic illness, sport diplomacy, and human rights
What They Do…
• Sporting Events
• Educational Events– BlazeDays at schools– Sitting volleyball, boccia, goalball,
wheelchair relays• Under 4 hours cost = $200• Over 4 hours cost = $300
What They Do…
• 24/7 Technical Assistance– Program Tool Kit to help start a program
• Videos• Resources
– Monthly webinars– Training sessions– BlazeSports America Annual Conference
What They Do…
• Certification– Certified Disability Sport Specialist– Level I, II, III, IV