Wheelchair Sports in the Paralympics

The 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games are just around the corner. For the 28th time, some of the world’s most inspiring men and women from across the globe will compete at the highest level to claim the title of Paralympic champion.

Wheelchair sports are some of the most popular Paralympic events, with millions of people tuning in to watch every four years. From cycling to basketball, wheelchair users are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sports, and showing that a disability doesn’t need to hold you back.

In this article, we list some of the top wheelchair sports in the Paralympic Games. So read on, learn more and get inspired.

Archery

Archery requires great aim and composure. Across nine events in three different categories, Paralympians compete to shoot an arrow at a target up to 70 metres away.

Badminton

Wheelchair badminton is a brand new event at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. The sport sees wheelchair users manoeuvre around a rectangular court to hit a shuttlecock over the net and into the opponent’s half. A player scores a point when the opponent makes an error, either failing to return the shuttlecock over the net or hitting it out of the court.

Boccia

Boccia was initially designed for people with cerebral palsy but is now played by athletes who have any type of neurological impairment that affects their motor function. A game of high strategy, athletes each compete to throw six red or blue balls as close to the white ball (the jack) as possible.

Cycling

Athletes competing in wheelchair cycling ride ‘handcycles’, a form of bicycle that is powered by the arms rather than the legs. Paralympic cyclists compete to travel across the racetrack as quickly as possible. There are various events in wheelchair cycling — up to 34 gold medals are awarded in the road event alone.

Shooting

A variety of shooting events sees athletes use rifles or pistols to shoot a target of up to 50m. Athletes utilise various positions depending on the rules of the event.

Table Tennis

Table tennis is an exciting, high-pace sport that sees rallies unfold at speeds exceeding 100km per hour. Athletes compete to hit a small ball into the opponent’s half and force them to make an error.

Wheelchair Tennis

Wheelchair tennis is all about using your wheelchair to manoeuvre around the court. Using special wheelchairs that strap them in, athletes must employ sharp turns to reach the tennis ball and serve it back to the opponent. Athletes get points when their opponent commits an error, either by failing to return the ball over the net or by hitting it out of bounds.

Wheelchair Basketball

A fan favourite, wheelchair basketball is played in teams of twelve. Athletes must use speed, agility and precision to maneuver around the court, win possession from their opponents and shoot the basketball into the net.

Wheelchair fencing

Athletes need stellar tactics and technique to outwit their opponent in the sport of fencing. Players compete in wheelchairs that are fixed into a frame fastened to the floor. They wield a sword that they must use to strike their opponent before they, themselves, are struck.

Wheelchair rugby

Wheelchair rugby is a fast-paced, high-intensity sport that requires speed, strength, stamina and excellent ball skills. As with traditional rugby, wheelchair rugby is a contact sport. Athletes use their wheelchair to block and hold opponents as they attempt to bring the ball over the opponent’s try line.

You can watch all of the above sports at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, starting on Tuesday 24th August following the Tokyo Olympics. Reaching Paralympic level is a huge achievement for all involved, and we look forward to cheering on our inspiring countrymen and women as they take to the grandest stage in sport.

Don’t let a wheelchair hold you back. At Ideas in Action, we have a wide selection of modern wheelchairs that can be used for a range of wheelchair sports. Though some Paralympic events require specialised wheelchairs, many of our products will be suitable for amateur play. Find your perfect wheelchair or mobility scooter from our extensive range and start learning a new sport.

Ideas in Action is based in Birmingham, but we cover the whole of the West Midlands.

Contact our team to find out more on 0121 371 0780.