History of parasport
What is parasport?
Parasports, or adapted sports, are practiced by people living with physical, sensory or intellectual disabilities.
They are generally classified into three main categories, according to the type of disability:
- deaf or hard-of-hearing people,
- people with a physical or visual disability,
- people with an intellectual disability.
Each category has developed its own history, organization and approach, together contributing to the development of modern parasport.
Discover the history that has shaped the movement’s evolution, from its earliest beginnings to the creation of Parasports Québec, formerly known as the AQSFR (French for Québec Wheelchair Sports Association).
Early 19th century
The beginnings of parasport
As early as the 19th century, studies demonstrated the value of sport in the rehabilitation of people with disabilities. However, the first major competition was not held until 1924, when the International Silent Games took place in Paris, organized by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (CISS). This event laid the foundation for today’s Deaflympics.
After the Second World War
Birth of the Paralympic movement
The Paralympic movement truly emerged after the Second World War, in response to the large number of wounded soldiers and civilians. Sport became an essential tool for rehabilitation.
The instigator of this movement was the neurologist Ludwig Guttmann. In 1948, he organised the Stoke Mandeville Games, the first competition for wheelchair athletes, in parallel with the London Olympic Games.
1952
From the Stoke Mandeville Games to the first Paralympic Games
In 1952, the initiative became international with the participation of Dutch military personnel. The Stoke Mandeville Games evolved into the Paralympic Games, officially launched in Rome in 1960.
In Rome, eight disciplines are on the program for people with spinal cord injuries, including swimming, basketball, shot put, and snooker. Other non-competitive events complete the program.
The 1960s
The emergence of the Special Olympics
In parallel, the Special Olympics movement emerged in the 1960s, aimed at people with intellectual disabilities. Initiated by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the movement held its first international Games in Chicago in 1968, with a participatory approach focused on inclusion through sport.
The 1960s
Structuring high-level intellectual parasport
In 1986, the creation of INAS-FID (International Federation of Sports for People with Intellectual Disabilities) allowed high-level athletes to have access to dedicated competitions, unlike the inclusive approach of the Special Olympics.
1989
The role of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC)
Founded in 1989 in Düsseldorf under the presidency of Canadian Robert D. Steadward, the IPC quickly established itself as the reference organization for world parasport.
Unlike specialist federations, it brings together different types of disabilities and oversees several sporting disciplines, thus playing a central role in the development and governance of the Paralympic movement.
The 2000s
The exclusion and subsequent return of athletes with intellectual disabilities
In 2000, following a cheating scandal at the Sydney Paralympic Games, INAS-FID athletes were temporarily banned from competition. Their reinstatement only occurred in 2009, after nearly a decade of advocacy, when the International Paralympic Committee finally authorized their return to the Games.
Nowadays
A rapidly growing movement
Today, more than 25 para-sports disciplines are included in the Paralympic Games. But far beyond this showcase, hundreds of other para-sports are practiced around the world, contributing to inclusion, personal achievement, and recognition of people living with disabilities.
Nowadays
Creation of Parasports Quebec
On March 11, 1984, the Quebec Wheelchair Sports Association (AQSFR) was founded by individuals committed to and invested in sports for people with physical limitations. In 1990, the AQSFR was recognized by the Government of Quebec as the official governing body for wheelchair sports. Since April 1, 2012, the AQSFR has changed its name to Parasports Quebec.
To learn more, discover our book.
AU-DELÀ DES LIMITES
THE HISTORY OF WHEELCHAIR SPORTS
Judith Lussier and Donald Royer
Chantal Petitclerc
From effort to achievement, this book traces the journey of athletes determined to challenge not only their own limits but also those imposed by society. Richly illustrated with archival photographs and inspiring portraits, this history of parasports begins in the aftermath of the Second World War, when Dr. Guttmann, a neurosurgeon who had taken refuge in England, succeeded in offering severely injured patients a new outlook on life through meaningful sporting activities and went on to organize genuine international competitions. Since then, countless athletes and coaches have followed in his footsteps, enriching this remarkable story with their own achievements and helping transform it into the immense source of pride that the Paralympic movement represents today.
"The history of wheelchair sport is the story of dedicated people, high-performing athletes, and struggles for equality for all." - translated from French
Donald Royer, co-author
AU-DELÀ DES LIMITES
THE HISTORY OF WHEELCHAIR SPORTS
Judith Lussier and Donald Royer
Chantal Petitclerc
From effort to achievement, this book traces the journey of athletes determined to challenge not only their own limits but also those imposed by society. Richly illustrated with archival photographs and inspiring portraits, this history of parasports begins in the aftermath of the Second World War, when Dr. Guttmann, a neurosurgeon who had taken refuge in England, succeeded in offering severely injured patients a new outlook on life through meaningful sporting activities and went on to organize genuine international competitions. Since then, countless athletes and coaches have followed in his footsteps, enriching this remarkable story with their own achievements and helping transform it into the immense source of pride that the Paralympic movement represents today.
“In a short time, our movement has gained credibility, recognition, and support. Today, we can truly say that a Paralympic medal carries the same weight as an Olympic medal.”- translated from French
Chantal Petitclerc, preface writer
AU-DELÀ DES LIMITES
THE HISTORY OF WHEELCHAIR SPORTS
Judith Lussier and Donald Royer
Chantal Petitclerc
From effort to achievement, this book traces the journey of athletes determined to challenge not only their own limits but also those imposed by society. Richly illustrated with archival photographs and inspiring portraits, this history of parasports begins in the aftermath of the Second World War, when Dr. Guttmann, a neurosurgeon who had taken refuge in England, succeeded in offering severely injured patients a new outlook on life through meaningful sporting activities and went on to organize genuine international competitions. Since then, countless athletes and coaches have followed in his footsteps, enriching this remarkable story with their own achievements and helping transform it into the immense source of pride that the Paralympic movement represents today.
“From its primarily medical origins in post-World War II England, Beyond Limits recounts the movement’s evolution into a fully-fledged sport, naturally giving Quebec a prominent place. […] Very comprehensive and abundantly illustrated, [the book] does not shy away from the debates and controversies that have marked adapted sport over the years.” - translated from French
Simon Drouin, La Presse +
AU-DELÀ DES LIMITES
THE HISTORY OF WHEELCHAIR SPORTS
Judith Lussier and Donald Royer
Chantal Petitclerc
From effort to achievement, this book traces the journey of athletes determined to challenge not only their own limits but also those imposed by society. Richly illustrated with archival photographs and inspiring portraits, this history of parasports begins in the aftermath of the Second World War, when Dr. Guttmann, a neurosurgeon who had taken refuge in England, succeeded in offering severely injured patients a new outlook on life through meaningful sporting activities and went on to organize genuine international competitions. Since then, countless athletes and coaches have followed in his footsteps, enriching this remarkable story with their own achievements and helping transform it into the immense source of pride that the Paralympic movement represents today.
“I dove into it with great pleasure. […] You learn tons of things.” - translated from French
Isabelle Craig, Médium Large, Radio-Canada
Parasports, a story of passionate people.
Learn more in video with Luc Fortin, parasports enthusiast.