Table of Contents
- What are the Paralympics fundamentally?
- What activities are involved?
- Does it have an opening ceremony?
- Who are some renowned Paralympians?
- How many German competitors are participating?
- What's the outlook for the German team?
- Will Russia and Belarus be participating?
- What are the rewards for German athletes?
- Where can I watch the Paralympics live?
- Understanding the Essentials of the Paralympic Games
Following the conclusion of the Olympic Games, the Paralympics are on the horizon, commencing in Paris on a Wednesday. Before their commencement, here are answers to the most pressing questions:
What are the Paralympics fundamentally?
The Paralympics are athletic competitions mirroring the Olympic Games, tailored for athletes with disabilities. These games take place every four years in the same location as the recent Summer or Winter Olympic Games. Since 1960, athletes have been engaging in competitive events for Paralympic medals in summer sports. The term "Paralympics" is derived from the English words "paraplegic" (paralyzed on both sides) and "Olympics" (Olympic Games).
What activities are involved?
A total of 4,400 athletes from 182 nations will partake in 22 sports in pursuit of medals: Blind Football, Badminton, Boccia, Archery, Dressage, Weightlifting, Goalball, Judo, Canoeing, Athletics, Cycling, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Fencing, Wheelchair Rugby, Wheelchair Tennis, Rowing, Swimming, Sitting Volleyball, Shooting, Taekwondo, Table Tennis, Triathlon.
Does it have an opening ceremony?
As opposed to arriving by ship on the Seine like the Olympics, the Paralympic athletes will introduce themselves to the audience on a Wednesday (8:00 PM/ZDF) along the Champs-Élysées avenue, culminating at the Place de la Concorde. A large arena for the opening ceremony has been constructed on the Place de la Concorde using the urban sports' four stadiums (3x3 Basketball, BMX, Skateboarding, and Breakdance).
Who are some renowned Paralympians?
German prosthetic long jumper Markus Rehm is one of the standout athletes in Paris. Since 2011, he has won all 15 titles at world and European championships and the Paralympics, setting the world record at 8.72 meters. Dutchwoman Diede de Groot has claimed all the Grand Slam tournaments in wheelchair tennis since 2021. Australian Ryley Batt is widely regarded as the best wheelchair rugby player of all time, with two Paralympic victories to his name.
How many German competitors are participating?
A total of 143 participants will compete, including 65 female and 78 male athletes, as well as five guides. Athletics has the largest team with 27 competitors (plus two guides). Germany will not be represented in Blind Football, Goalball, Taekwondo, or Weightlifting. The oldest German participant is dressage rider Heidemarie Dresing (69 years old), while Berlin swimmer Johanna Doehler is the youngest athlete at 14 years old.
What's the outlook for the German team?
President Friedhelm Julius Beucher of the German Paralympic Committee (DBS) has confirmed that there is no specific medal target. In Tokyo, the team won 13 gold, 12 silver, and 18 bronze medals. With a 12th-place finish in the medal table at the 2021 Paralympics in Tokyo, the German team had its worst result. The aim is to return to the top 10.
Will Russia and Belarus be participating?
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has agreed to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the Paralympics in Paris, under specific conditions. These include competing under the Paralympic flag and anthem, and refraining from displaying any national symbols. The decision was made considering the safety and security of all participants.
A total of 90 individual athletes from Russia and 8 participants from Belarus will be present in Paris. They were previously vetted by a law firm assigned by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). Following Russia's military attack on Ukraine in 2022, they will compete under a neutral flag and will not be allowed to participate in the opening ceremony or have their national anthem played in case of a gold medal. Teams from these two nations remain excluded.
What are the rewards for the German athletes?
Gold, silver, and bronze medalists among the Paralympic athletes receive the same rewards as non-disabled athletes. First place is rewarded with €20,000, second place with €15,000, and third place with €10,000.
Where can I watch the Paralympics live?
ARD and ZDF will share the coverage of the Paralympics. ZDF will broadcast the opening ceremony on August 28, featuring more than 60 hours of live sports coverage. Additionaly, around 75 hours of Para-sports will be streamed live on ARD and ZDF's streaming channels.
The upcoming Paralympics, following the Olympic Games, share similarities with the Olympic Games but are specifically designed for athletes with disabilities. Among the 22 sports included in the Paris Paralympics are Table Tennis, offering opportunities for athletes to compete and earn medals.
The Paralympics opening ceremony in Paris will take place along the Champs-Élysées avenue on a Wednesday, showcasing the participation of athletes from around the globe.
