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