Let the Games Begin! Celebrating Paralympians

Today marks the opening of the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. The O&P PT, alongside the global community celebrates Paralympians, their dedication, resilience and fortitude.

History of the Paralympic Games

Adaptive sports was first featured at the 1948 London Olympic Games. Starting out with 16 participants soon evolved into 400 athletes representing 23 countries upon the Paralympic Games inception in Rome circa 1960. Initial efforts to promote recreational sport for World War II Veterans following spinal injuries progressed to include athletes with various impairments and collaboration amongst numerous non-profit organizations. In 1989, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) was founded and to this day serves as the governing body of paralympic sports. The Paralympic Games runs parallel with the Olympic Games, hence the Greek derivation of its prefix “para” meaning “beside or alongside”.

Initial activities included archery and net ball for individuals utilizing a wheelchair.  By 1960, wheelchair basketball, para swimming, para table tennis and wheelchair fencing were added. Slowly, additional sports were included with a big increase at the 11^th Summer Paralympic Games in Sydney featuring 18 sports: para archery, para athletics, boccia, para cycling, para equestrian, goalball, para judo, para powerlifting, sailing, football 7-a-side, shooting para sport, sitting volleyball, para swimming, para table-tennis, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair fencing, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair tennis. Today, these sports continue along with para rowing,  para badminton and par taekwondo. 4,400 athletes will compete in 549 medal events encompassing 22 sports in the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.

O&P Devices in Paralympics

Orthotic and prosthetic devices play a unique role in the Paralympic Games depending upon the classification of the sport and athlete. In most cases orthoses are optional for the athlete, however, are not allowed to facilitate running.  While prostheses are recognized by the IPC as equipment which restores function, these devices must serve as “an extension of the athlete’s body” allowing for balance and symmetry without enhancing performance. Passive prostheses powered by the human body without electronic components are permissible. Lower limb prostheses are permitted for track events, optional for field events and not permitted for para swimming.

A variety of O&P devices can be found at the Paralympics to support each athlete’s individual needs. A common prosthesis is a blade-style used for track and field events. The carbon material construct and curved design allows for kinetic energy to be stored and released as the athlete compresses the blade while running or jumping. These include spiked soles to allow traction for the runner as they change velocity. Just as the sports differ in many ways, the O&P designs vary to match the fit and function of the user. For example compared to a runner, a cyclist benefits from an aerodynamic, thin, flat lower-limb component to help slice the air and reduce turbulence.

Ottobock, a renowned manufacturer of O&P devices and long-standing partner of the IPC, is on-site at the Paralympic Games providing technical service and support. Access is free to all athletes regardless the manufacturer or type of device used including wheelchairs. Ottobock’s large team of talented, multilingual professionals are present in the Main Repair Service Center of the sports complex along with smaller centers. On-site technicians are available in the event of immediate repair. Whether it’s a quick fix or a custom overhaul, the team is prepared to support the Paralympians. Given the wear and tear these athletes place upon their bodies and their adaptive O&P interventions, repairs are imminent. Greater access and use of digital services helps provide an effective and positive experience for the athletes allowing them to participate in the games and fulfill their dreams.

Stay Tuned

Follow the Paralympic Games from August 28-September 8 and cheer on the athletes as they make history. The Games can be viewed on the Paralympic YouTube Channel the International Paralympic Committee website, Peacock, NBC, USA Network and CNBC.

Celebrating the Paralympians as they reach for their personal best and go for gold!

---

---