Intellectual Impairments in Paralympic Sport

Learn more about classification within the intellectual impairment landscape, the Paralympic sports available to athletes with intellectual impairments, and how to get connected to the appropriate pathways and resources.

  • About Intellectual Impairment Classification

    Intellectual Impairment classification in Paralympic sport is the system used to determine whether an athlete with a intellectual impairment is eligible to compete. The system is governed globally by the International Paralympic Committee, with each sport’s International Federation responsible for implementing sport-specific rules.


  • Eligibility Information

    The USOPC has partnered with Athletes Without Limits for all Intellectual Impairment (II) classifications. Athletes Without Limits determines whether U.S. athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities are eligible for Paralympic competitions. The three main criteria to be eligible for the II sport class of Paralympic competition are:

    • IQ of 75 or below (Must be *WISC, WAIS, Stanford-Binet or Raven)
    • Significant limitations in Adaptive Behavior (Vineland, ABAS, or Other.)
    • Onset before age 18

Paralympic Sports for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments  

  • Swimming

    Athletes compete in classes such as S14, which is specifically for athletes with intellectual impairments.

  • Table Tennis

    Class 11 represents the sport class for athletes with intellectual impairments.

  • Track and Field

    T20 for track and F20 for field events, designed for athletes with intellectual impairments.

Next Steps 

  • Get Connected

    Complete our Para Athlete Questionnaire to get connected with the Paralympic sport you are most interested in. Once submitted, the Paralympic Pathways team will review your responses and connect you with the appropriate Paralympic sport program.

    Get Connected, opens in a new tab

  • Athletes Without Limits

    Review the Athletes Without Limits webpage on Paralympic classification and begin working on compiling your documents. Once ready, submit them online to officially begin the classification process for athletes with intellectual impairments.

    Begin Eligibility, opens in a new tab

  • Questions?

    Reach out to the Paralympic Pathways team with any questions or for additional information about Paralympic sports and the intellecutal impairment landscape. The team can guide you on classification, sport eligibility, and connecting with the right programs.

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