Paralympic Pathway

Get connected with a Paralympic Pathway to begin, or advance, your journey in Paralympic sport. Learn about classification, sport eligibility, and opportunities that match your background and interests as you navigate the pathway toward the Paralympic Games.

  • What is Paralympic Sport?

    The Paralympic Games are the pinnacle global sporting event for athletes with disabilities, showcasing the highest level of performance in Para sport. Held every two years, the Games bring together a diverse group of athletes competing under optimal conditions, and attract millions of spectators and billions of viewers worldwide.

    The Paralympic Games are open to athletes with eligible physical, visual and intellectual impairments.

  • Who is Eligible?

    To be eligible for Paralympic sport, athletes must have a permanent impairment that affects their ability to participate in sport. Some athletes are born with their impairment (congenital), while others may acquire it later in life due to injury, illness or medical conditions (acquired). Impairments must be permanent in nature and cannot be cured through surgery or recovery.


  • Eligibility Criteria

    The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) recognizes seven eligible impairment groups, which are categorized into physical, vision, and intellectual impairments. Each International Federation then establishes specific criteria for how these impairments apply to its respective Paralympic sport.

    To learn more, review the IPC Classification Code Version 1 January 2025.

  • Paralympic Eligible Impairment Types

    • Coordination Impairments
    • Impaired Muscle Power
    • Impaired Passive Range of Movement
    • Limb Deficiency and/or Limb Length Difference
    • Short Stature
    • Vision Impairments
    • Intellectual Impairments

Paralympic Eligible Impairment Types 

  • Physical Impairments

    Physical Impairment Information

  • Vision Impairments

    Vision Impairment Information

  • Intellectual Impairment

    Intellectual Impairment Information

Begin Your Journey 

The steps outlined below are recommended but not mandatory. Athletes can enter the Paralympic pathway at any stage, and there is no requirement to follow the steps in a specific order. Many athletes may be unaware of their eligibility and are already competing in a sport while seeking to become more involved in the Paralympic pathway.

Athlete Pathways To Paralympic Sport