Para sports
The competitive branch of adaptive sport, where athletes with disabilities train and compete, often within organised classification systems.
Overview
Para sports are the competitive side of adaptive sport — organised, rules-based competition for athletes with a physical, visual or intellectual impairment. Many para sports mirror well-known mainstream sports, played to adapted rules.
To keep competition fair, many para sports use classification: a system that groups athletes so those whose impairment affects their sport in a similar way compete together. The prefix 'para' reflects competition that runs alongside the mainstream, not a lesser form of sport.
What to know
- The competitive strand of adaptive sport, for athletes with disabilities.
- Widely recognised para sports include para athletics, para swimming, wheelchair basketball and goalball.
- Many para sports are governed by national and international bodies with their own rules.
- Classification is used, in concept, to group athletes fairly by the impact of impairment on performance.
- Pathways typically run from local clubs up to national and international competition.
In practice
- Classification is described here only conceptually — actual classes and eligibility are decided by each sport's governing body.
- Getting involved usually starts at a local club, with competition as an option rather than a requirement.
- For classification, eligibility or a specific ruleset, always consult the sport's governing body and a qualified professional.
Educational & inclusive
Related sports
Sports that connect to this topic — each with a clear, beginner-friendly guide.
Swimming
A full-body, low-impact endurance sport suitable for almost every age and ability.
Running
The most accessible endurance sport — no venue, just shoes and the open road or trail.
Basketball
A fast, dynamic team sport of running, jumping and quick decisions on court.
Cycling
A low-impact endurance sport that doubles as transport, exercise and adventure.
Goals it supports
Build confidence
Use sport and steady progress to feel more capable, comfortable and self-assured over time.
Improve fitness
Build well-rounded fitness — stamina, strength and more — through regular, varied activity you can keep up.
Build an active lifestyle
Make movement a natural, lasting part of daily life through activities and habits you genuinely enjoy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between adaptive sports and para sports?
Adaptive sport is the broad idea of adjusting any sport so people with disabilities can take part, at any level. Para sport usually refers to its organised, competitive branch, often with formal rules and classification. Each sport's governing body defines exactly how it is run.
What is classification in para sport?
Classification is a system that groups athletes so those whose impairment affects their sport in a similar way compete against each other, keeping contests fair. The specific classes and eligibility criteria are set and assessed by each sport's governing body, not by individuals.
Explore across the knowledge base
Follow the threads that connect Para sports to the rest of SocialSportHub.
Facilities
- Athletics trackAn oval multi-lane running track, usually 400 metres per lap, used for sprints, distance running and relays.
- GymAn indoor facility equipped with free weights, machines and cardio equipment for strength training and general fitness.
- Tennis courtA rectangular marked court, divided across the middle by a net, where tennis is played as singles or doubles.
- Basketball courtA rectangular hard-surfaced court with a raised hoop and backboard at each end where basketball is played.
Knowledge Atlas
- Explore by Adaptive SportInclusive and adaptive sport — understanding, forms, adaptation and getting involved.
- Explore by SportThe master navigator — every sport, organised by category, what it builds, where it is played and how to begin.
- Explore by CommunicationHow sport is communicated — in play, within a team, and around the game.
Disciplines
- Sparring (Kyorugi)Kyorugi is taekwondo's competitive sparring discipline, where two athletes score points by landing controlled kicks and punches on legal target areas within timed rounds.
- CyclocrossCyclocross is lap racing on a short off-road circuit of grass, mud, and sand, where riders often dismount to carry the bike over obstacles.
- BackstrokeBackstroke is swum face-up with an alternating arm pull and flutter kick — the one competitive stroke where you breathe freely because your face stays out of the water.
- DownhillDownhill is alpine skiing's fastest discipline, run on long courses with widely spaced gates where skiers glide at high speed in an aerodynamic tuck.
Positions
- Outside hitterThe outside hitter attacks from the left side of the net and is often a volleyball team’s main scoring option.
- OppositeThe opposite is a volleyball attacker who plays on the right side of the net, opposite the setter in the rotation, and is often a key scorer.
- Point guardThe point guard is basketball’s primary ball-handler and playmaker, running the offence and setting up teammates to score.
- Defensive midfielderA defensive midfielder sits in front of the defence, breaking up opposition attacks and shielding the back line.
- Central midfielderA central midfielder operates in the middle of the pitch, linking defence and attack while contributing to both.
Tactics
- High pressA football tactic where a team hunts the ball high up the pitch to win it back close to the opponent’s goal.
- Zone defenceA defensive system where each player guards an area of the court rather than a specific opponent.
- Serve and volleyAn attacking tennis tactic where the server follows their serve to the net to finish the point with a volley.
- Offside trapA defensive football tactic where the back line steps up together to leave an attacker offside.
- Man-to-man markingA defensive tactic where each defender is assigned a specific opponent to track and contain.