• Home
  • ABOUT VAN PRODUCTS
  • Contact Us
  • About Van Products

    At Van Products, we are in the business of allowing our customers the opportunity for freedom of independent living through custom mobility products and accessories.

  • Follow Us On

  • Home
  • About Van Products
  • Contact Us

The Power of the Paralympics

August 11, 2021

Many people dream of one day competing in the Olympics. And, for the vast majority of them, it’s just that: a dream. This was particularly true for those with various disabilities. But, things changed in 1960. That was the year that the first Paralympics, often referred to as the Paralympic Games, took place. Now, the Paralympics is a popular event on nearly the same level as the Olympics. It welcomes people with a range of disabilities to compete in various sports, achieving empowerment and a sense of purpose along the way.

Who Can Compete?

Some of the world’s finest Paralympians compete in this incredible event. They have to be skilled at the sport of their choice, and they also have to have a qualifying impairment. These include:

  • Impaired muscle power or range of movement
  • Intellectual impairments
  • A limb deficiency or a difference in leg lengths
  • Short stature
  • Hypertonia
  • Ataxia
  • Involuntary movements
  • Visual impairments

Different events have different requirements. For example, in some sporting events, any eligible impairment will qualify a person to compete. In others, only certain impairments qualify. However, there is an event for almost everyone, which is part of what makes the Paralympics so special.

What are the Areas of Competition?

Paralympic sports are wide and varied, contributing to the event’s inclusive nature. There are both summer and winter sports which include, among others:

  • Archery
  • Badminton
  • Canoeing
  • Football
  • Judo
  • Powerlifting
  • Skiing
  • Snowboarding
  • Swimming
  • Volleyball
  • Wheelchair basketball, tennis, rugby, and fencing

Why is it Important?

There are many Paralympic events, but they all have one thing in common: they are incredibly meaningful and powerful to the people who compete in them.

For one thing, the Paralympics helps competitors on a personal level. Competing in events gives people a chance to find joy and purpose in life. It can build self-esteem, independence, and positivity. Furthermore, it can greatly increase fitness and health.

The Paralympics matter to the world at large as well. They show that people with disabilities have value and can do amazing things, that they are not to be “written off” or regarded as unimportant. They also spread awareness and educate others on various disabilities. Furthermore, they encourage all people to live a life without limits.

Learn More

Would you like to learn more about the Paralympics and other opportunities for those with disabilities? Whether you have a disability yourself or are interested in empowering those with disabilities to live fuller, better lives, there are many excellent resources, as well as many ways to make a difference. For example, at Van Products, we are a leading supplier of mobility solutions for people with a range of disabilities. Thanks to the work of organizations like ours, the meaning, message, and power of the Paralympics can extend beyond athletes and to all people.

mobility
Share

Disability Awareness  / Wheelchair and Mobility Products  / Wheelchair Athletes

You might also like

Reasons to Consider a Used Wheelchair Van
December 12, 2022
Van Products Celebrates the US Open Wheelchair Championships
September 30, 2022
Tips for Choosing a Wheelchair Van
September 30, 2022
  • About Van Products

    At Van Products, we are in the business of allowing our customers the opportunity for freedom of independent living through custom mobility products and accessories.

  • Follow Us On

  • Tags

    Accessibility Awareness cerebral palsy commercial upfits disabilities disability disability awareness disabled veterans handicap accessibility handicap accessible van handicap accessible vans Handicapped organizations NC handicapped veterans wheelchair handicap vans life in a wheelchair mobility mobility impairment mobility products nc wheelchair van rental new wheelchair van new wheelchair vans overcoming challenges overcoming handicap challenges overcoming mobility challenges overcoming physical disability parenting physical therapy Raleigh handicap van Raleigh handicap vans Raleigh mobility vans Raleigh wheelchair community Raleigh wheelchair van rent a wheelchair van rent wheelchair van Success Stories used wheelchair van used wheelchair vans wheelchair accessibility wheelchair accessible van wheelchair accessible vans wheelchair stair lifts wheelchair van rental wheelchair vans wheelchair vans North Carolina wheelchair vans Raleigh


  • logo

  • Recent Posts

    • Side-Entry Vs. Rear-Entry Wheelchair Vans
      January 19, 2023
    • Reasons to Consider a Used Wheelchair Van
      December 12, 2022
    • Van Products Celebrates the US Open Wheelchair Championships
      September 30, 2022
  • Popular Posts

    • Exciting News for Kids in RHA Howell's Bridges' Cap/C Program!
      January 7, 2011
    • New Wheelchair Van: 2011 Toyota Sienna
      December 28, 2010
    • Overcoming Challenge and Disability: A Father’s Love and a Son’s Cerebral Palsy
      August 31, 2010

© Copyright Van Products Inc. All Rights Reserved. Website Design Development & Marketing by Look to the Right