ATHLETICS FOR ALL ABILITIES

Para athletics offers opportunities for both men and women to compete across a variety of events and classifications.

Athletes are placed into classes that reflect how their impairment affects their ability to perform different athletics movements. This classification system ensures fair competition by grouping athletes with similar physical abilities.

Impairments may include vision loss, intellectual or coordination challenges, limb difference or shortening, reduced joint mobility, muscle weakness, or short stature. Depending on their needs, some Para athletes compete using a wheelchair or prosthetic limb, while visually impaired athletes may run with support from a sighted guide.

Organisations such as the Halberg Foundation and Special Olympics provide activity opportunities for those with other impairments within the Tasman region.