Speed, strength, endurance and triumph. These are some of the ingredients that make Athletics the most popular event at the Paralympic Games.
The competitions are disputed among men and women from all disability groups – whether they are physical, sensory, or mental, in which case they are demonstration sports. The athletes are separated according to their functional classification, in order to provide a balanced competition, and they use resources such as wheelchairs, prostheses, or even another athlete acting as a guide.
Athletics has been part of the Programme since the first Paralympic Games, in 1960. The events are divided among Track Races (sprints, medium- and long-distances, and relays), Jumping (high, long, and triple), Throwing (javelin and discus), Heaving (shot put), Pentathlon, and Marathon.
