Para-athletics
Dive into the world of the game
Para athletics includes most of the same events as athletics. It brings together athletes with the same type of motor limitations – in wheelchairs and standing – or with a visual impairment, on the track or in throwing events.
Discover the excitement of para athletics as if you were there!
Para athletics is a complete sport that combines speed, power and endurance, accessible to all, according to their abilities.
It addresses people within a wide range of physical and visual impairments, with events adapted to each individual. Whether in a wheelchair, with a prosthesis, or with a guide for visually impaired athletes, everyone can find their place and push their personal limits, on the track and on the field.
The disciplines offered are numerous:
- Track: Sprint races (100m, 200m, 400m), middle distance (800m, 1500m), long distance (5000m, 10000m) and relays (4×100m, 4×400m).
- Route : Marathon.
- Jumps: high jump, long jump and triple jump.
- Throws: Discus, shot put, skittle and javelin.
- Combined: Pentathlon, combining running, jumping and throwing.
To learn more, see the video below:
Athletics Canada classification table (FR)
For more information, visit the Canadian Paralympic Committee website:
The rules for para-athletics are almost identical to those of their standing counterparts. Concessions are made to take into account certain disabilities (for example, blind and visually impaired runners can compete with guide runners attached by the wrists).
Athletics is governed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) with the coordination of the manager of athletic sports and the IPC technical committee.
For more information, visit the International Paralympic Committee website:
In Quebec, the competition network is integrated into events sanctioned by Athlétisme Quebec.
However, Parasports Québec offers services and support to athletes and coaches, especially through the Team Quebec program, which supports high-level athletes in their development and preparation for national and international competitions.
The Provincial Para Athletics Championship brings together athletes with physical limitations in a championship organized by Athlétisme Quebec in collaboration with Parasports Quebec. It allows for the identification of talent and selection for national and international competitions.
It is scheduled for summer 2026.
The Canadian Para Athletics Championships is a championship integrated into the national athletics championship. It was held during the Canadian Track & Field Championships (organized by Athletics Canada) in 2025, from July 30 to August 3 in Ottawa and incorporated para-athletics events (sprints, throws, jumps) with adapted rankings.
The next Canadian championship will take place from June 17-21, 2026.
Para athletics is part of various competitions offered by Athlétisme Quebec during the provincial season.
The provincial team is composed of the following elite and up-and-coming athletes:
- Mathieu Dorais
- Étienne Rheault
- Clison Djanebaye
- Amanda Fanizza
- Benjamin Ouellet
- Valérie Desroches
- Francis Labonté
- Lee Leclerc
- Louis Joseph
- Maxime Landry
- Raphaël Simoneau
- Samuel Larouche
- Anthony Bouchard
- Guillaume Ouellet
Two training camps are organized each year to prepare athletes on their road to success.
Nathalie Séguin is the coach of the provincial para-athletics team
Anne-Marie Fortin is also an assistant coach for the team
Interested in becoming a coach and contributing to the development of our athletes? Parasports Québec supports you and is currently developing a training program to assist you in this mission.
Parasports Québec also offers on-demand official training to support referee development. Contact us for more information.
Para athletics is offered by the federation in 5 Quebec clubs :
Laval University Athletics Club
National Capital
Saint-Laurent Select Club
Montreal
Winners Plus Club
Montreal
Sherbrooke Athletics Club
Eastern Townships
Club Jakour
Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
The government offers financial support and services to identified athletes in Quebec to enable them to compete with the best athletes in the world.
Athletes identified at the “Excellence”, “Elite”, “Next Generation” and “Hopeful” levels are selected based on established criteria specific to the discipline.
Contact our team to learn more
Jean-Michel Lavallière
Parasports Québec Para-Athletics Coordinator