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