This week, the
Paralympics are being held in Sochi, Russia. following the
tradition of following the respective Olympic Games. The Summer
Games of 1988 held in Seoul was the first time the term
"Paralympic" came into official use. Many confuse Paralympics with
Special Olympics.
Special Olympics and Paralympics are two separate organizations
recognized by the International Olympic Committee. Both focus on
sport for athletes with disabilities and both are run by
international non-profit organizations. Special Olympics and
Paralympics differ in three main areas: disability categories of
the athletes, criteria and philosophy of athletes participation,
and organizational structure.
Special Olympics welcomes all athletes, 8 and older, with
intellectual disabilities of all ability levels, to train and
compete in 30 Olympic-type sports. To be eligible, athletes must
have an intellectual disability; a cognitive delay, or a
development disability. They may also have a physical disability.
Paralympics welcomes athletes from six main disability categories:
amputee, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, visually
impaired, spinal injuries, and Les Autres (includes conditions
that do not fall into the other categories).
Special Olympics believes deeply in the power of sports to help
all who participate to fulfill their potential and does not
exclude any athlete based upon qualifying scores, but divisions
the athletes based on scores for fair competition against others
of like ability. Special Olympics believes athletes’ excellence is
personal achievement and reaching one's maximum potential. To
participate in the Paralympic Games, athletes must fulfill certain
criteria and meet certain qualifying standards in order to be
eligible. These criteria and standards are sports-specific.
Paralympics focuses on highest qualified based on performance.
Special Olympics focuses on all ability levels and is committed to
inclusion, acceptance, and dignity for all.