Disabled sports

Generally, disabled sports means sports played by the physically or mentally disabled; more specifically, sports that have been devised or modified for this purpose.

Organised competitions in this area are believed to have begun after World War II, with the large numbers of disabled war veterans seeking some form of competitive activity. Large numbers of disabled people now participate in some form of sport, and elite competitions have sprung up. The most prestigious such competition in many sports is the Paralympic Games, a multi-sport event usually held in an Olympic host city a short time after the Olympic competition is completed.

Most sports played by the able-bodied have been adapted to be played by people with varying types of disability. Some of the more popular team sports include:

• wheelchair basketball[?]
• wheelchair rugby[?]
• blind cricket[?]

See also Special Olympics, Stoke Mandeville Games