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Visually impaired athletes can compete in both Track and Field athletics events, though most competition schedules offer more opportunities for VI track athletics over both short and long distances. VI athletes in some classifications of track athletics are supported by a sighted guide runner.

Two VI field athletics events were held at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games: Men's Shot Put F11, and Women's Discus Throw F11.

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Blind football is a variation of association football designed for players who are blind or visually impaired. It is currently a Paralympic sport, and the International Blind Sports Association (IBSA) also organises a World Blind Football Championships.

Blind football is played in a 5v5 format, using a ball that contains rattles or bells, allowing players to locate it by sound.

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Para bowls (also known as para lawn bowls) is adapted for athletes with visual impairments using a combination of assistive equipment, guides, and modified rules to ensure fair and competitive play.

An athlete may use strings or tactile lines, and/or a sighted guide to orient themselves, and their guide may describe the positions of the bowls and jack.

Para bowls is competed at the Commonwealth Games.

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Visually impaired cycling is competed at the summer Paralympic Games in both Road- and Track-cycling formats. Riders sit on the back seat of a tandem racing bike, accompanied by a sighted pilot.

Welsh athlete James Ball, piloted by Steffan Lloyd, won gold in the Men's B 1000m Time Trial at Paris 2024.

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Athletes with partial, or near-total vision loss may be classified into Grade IV or Grade V for para dressage.

Grades IV and V can perform tests at a walk, trot, canter and do lateral movements. Athletes competing in Grades IV and V may have a physical or visual impairment, competing against each other, and are judged on the accuracy, quality and artistic expression of their tests.

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Goalball is competed at the summer Paralympic Games, and does not have an Olympic counterpart. It is a team sport, played exclusively by athletes who are blind or visually impaired.

Players wear opaque eyeshades at all times ensuring fair competition. Each team is made up of three players, who are defending a net that covers the entire width of the court, and trying to throw the goalball into their opponent's net. The ball contains noise bells to allow players to hear its location, and the court includes tactile markings to help players know their position and direction.

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Para judo is a Paralympic sport specifically for athletes with visual impairments, and is one of the few combat sports where only blind or visually impaired athletes compete.

Matches begin in grip contact, holding the opponent's judogi (judo clothing). The referee uses verbal cues, in Japanese.

Athletes with different levels of visual impairment compete together, banded into weight categories.

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VI Swimming is competed at the summer Paralympic Games. Athletes are classified into three groups according to their vision:

• Swimmers with near-total visual impairment swim in SB11, and are supported by assistants with soft head tappers who can let the athlete know when they are close to the edge of the pool.
• Swimmers in SB12 can see the edge of the pool from approx. 1m away, and cannot see the bottom of the pool.
• Swimmers in SB13 can see the edge of the pool from approx. 5m away.

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Athletes with visual impairments may compete in para triathlon. Athletes run and swim tethered to a sighted guide, and cycle on a tandem bike.

Athletes with different levels of visual impairment compete together, with results factored for classification.

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Athletics pathways exist for athletes with intellectual impairments to compete at Paralympic Games and Commonwealth Games level. Athletes compete in T20 classification for Track events, and F20 for Field events.

Men's and women's T20 400m is commonly competed at the Paralympic Games, and men's and women's T20 1500m is commonly competed at the Paralympic and Commonwealth Games.

In field athletics, F20 athletes compete in Long Jump and Shot Put Throw.

Welsh Athlete Sabrina Fortune is the reigning Women's F20 Shot Put Throw Paralympic champion.

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Athletes with an intellectual impairment compete in swimming at the Paralympic Games in classification S14.

Backstroke, Butterfly and Freestyle, competed by men, women and mixed relays, were S14 medal events at Paris 2024.

Welsh athlete Rhys Darbey was part of the gold medal-winning Mixed 4x100m Freestyle Relay S14 team, and won silver in the 200m Individual Medley.

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Athletes with intellectual impairments compete in para table tennis in T11. Matches follow the same rules as for non-disabled table tennis, and are competed in singles, doubles and team competitions.

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Athletes with short stature compete in field athletics at the Paralympic Games in F40 and F41 classifications. Events commonly inlcude Shot Put, Javelin Throw and Discus Throw.

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Athletes with a short stature condition can classify into SS6 Para Badminton and compete at Paralympic Games.

Competitors in this class play on a standard court but adapt their techniques to suit shorter reach and different body mechanics. They develop unique styles for movement, shot angles, and coverage. The sport includes singles, doubles, and mixed events, following the same scoring system as non-disabled badminton.

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Powerlifting is a bench press competition for athletes with physical impairment of the lower limbs. Athletes with all impairment types compete against each other banded into weight categories.

Competitors all perform the bench press, lying flat and lowering the bar to their chest before pressing it upwards in a controlled lift.

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Short stature athletes are classified within the S1–S10 range based on functional abilities, such as arm and leg length, joint mobility, strength and coordination and stroke efficiency.

Athletes compete in freestyle, butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke or medley.

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Athletes are classified in para table tennis based on their functiontal ability, so athletes with short stature compete alongside and against athletes with different impairment types.

Table Tennis features in the Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games and World Championships where athletes compete in one of eleven para classifications.

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Para archery offers competition for athletes with upper limb impairments, classified under ARST (Standing/Standing Support) or W1 (Wheelchair with more significant impairments) depending on functional ability. Athletes compete in individual and team events using recurve or compound bows.

Adaptations include specialised bow grips, release aids, and mouth tabs to draw and release the string.

Welsh athlete Jodie Grinham won the Mixed Team Compound Open at Paris 2024 with Nathan MacQueen.

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Athletics for athletes with upper limb impairments includes a range of track and field events, with competitors classified mainly in T45–47 (track athletics) and F45-47 (field athletics).

Events span sprints, middle-distance races, long jump, and throws like javelin and shot put. Athletics is a Paralympic sport and features in the Commonwealth Games.

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Para badminton includes competition for athletes with upper limb impairments, classified in SU5 (Standing Upper) based on functional ability in one or both arms.

Athletes compete in singles and doubles, across men’s, women’s, and mixed categories. Para badminton is a Paralympic sport, and was included in the Commonwealth Games for the first time at Birmingham 2022.

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Boccia is a tactical precision sport, played in team and individual formats. Athletes propel soft, weighted balls to rest closest to a target jack.

Players are classified into categories BC1–BC4 based on functional ability. Those with upper limb limitations may use assistive devices like ramps and pointers, particularly in BC3.

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Para Bowls is competed at the Commonwealth Games, and is a game of skill, precision and tactics. The sport suits athletes of all ages and abilities, valuing precision and planning. Classification groups athletes by functional ability rather than specific impairments.

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Para cycling includes athletes with upper limb impairments, who compete in either road or track events and are classified into different C (cycling), H (handcycling), or T (tricycle) classes depending on balance, limb function, and overall mobility.

Riders may adapt their bikes with modified handlebars, braking systems, or customised prosthetics to manage steering and control. Events range from sprints to time trials and road races.

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Para equestrian allows athletes with upper limb impairments to compete in para dressage at the Paralympic Games, classified into Grades I–V based on balance, coordination, and limb function.

Riders may use adaptations such as looped reins, elastic bands, or special reins to aid grip and control. The rules follow those of non-disabled dressage, with individual and team events judged on precision, harmony, and technical skill.

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Para rowing is competed at the Paralympic Games. Athletes with upper limb impairments typically compete in PR3, where they row with sliding seats and full use of legs, trunk, and arms, though grip aids or adaptations may be used for balance or handle control.

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Para shooting is a Paralympic sport. Athletes with upper limb impairments across are classified into SH1 (able to support the firearm without assistance) and SH2 (requiring a shooting stand due to arm or hand impairment), competing in pistol and rifle events.

Adaptations may include customised grips, trigger mechanisms, or supports.

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Sitting volleyball is a team sport that welcomes players with various impairment types affecting their upper or lower limbs.

Athletes are classified into either VS1 or VS2 depending on the impact of their disability. A team can field a maximum of two VS2 athletes (less affected by their disability) on court at any time.

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Para swimming is a Paralympic sport and features in the Commonwealth Games. Athletes with upper limb impairments, are classified into S1–S10 based on functional ability.

Swimmers may adapt stroke technique, starts, and turns to suit their arm function. Events span all strokes and distances.

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Para table tennis is part of the Paralympic Games and includes singles and team events. Athletes with upper limb impairments compete in para table tennis. An athlete might play using residual limbs, prosthetic devices, or even by holding the bat in their mouth, depending on their abilities and classification assessment.

Players adapt techniques for serving, strokes, and balance to suit their impairment.

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Taekwondo is competed at the Paralympic Games specifically by athletes with upper limb impairments.

Classification:
K41: for athletes with greater level of impairment in both arms.
K44: for athletes with a greater level of impairment in a single arm, or lower level of impairment in both arms.

Welsh athlete Matt Bush won Men's K44 80kg+ Para Taekwondo Gold at Paris 2024, and Beth Munro won silver in Women's K44 Para Taekwondo -58kg at Tokyo 2020.

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Athletes with upper limb impairments can compete in para triathlon, classified mainly in the PTS5 category if they have mild to moderate arm limitations, or other classes depending on their functional ability. Competitors often adapt techniques for swimming strokes, bike handling, and running form to accommodate reduced arm strength or mobility. Some may use prosthetic devices for balance or propulsion. The sport covers a sprint distance, including swimming, cycling, and running segments.

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Wheelchair fencing includes athletes with upper limb impairments, provided they meet eligibility criteria and retain sufficient arm function for weapon handling. Competitors are classified into Category A or B, based on balance and upper body control. Athletes may adapt grip techniques or use prosthetic devices to hold the foil, épée, or sabre. Fencers compete from fixed wheelchairs anchored to the floor, engaging in bouts that require quick reflexes and precise strikes.

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Para archery is part of the Paralympic Games, and is open to athletes with lower limb impairments, who may compete either standing or seated, depending on balance and mobility.

Many archers shoot from wheelchairs or stools and may use adapted equipment like body supports or customised footrests to aid stability.

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Para athletics features in both the Paralympic Games and the Commonwealth Games. Athletes with lower limb impairments, including amputations, limb difference, or conditions affecting muscle strength or joint movement compete in a wide range of track and field events.

Events include sprints, middle- and long-distance races, jumping, and throwing disciplines, so there are events that suit various talents.

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Para badminton offers opportunities for athletes with lower limb impairments to compete either standing or in a wheelchair. Players are classified into categories such as SL3 and SL4 for standing athletes with leg impairments, depending on balance and movement limitations, or WH1 and WH2 for wheelchair users based on trunk control and mobility.

The sport includes singles, doubles, and mixed events. Para badminton is part of the Paralympic Games and was featured in the Commonwealth Games for the first time in Birmingham 2022.

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Para bowls (para lawn bowls) is open to athletes with lower limb impairments, who may compete either standing or from a wheelchair, depending on their balance and mobility. Players can use assistive devices such as bowling arms or ramps if needed, and may adjust their stance or delivery technique to suit their physical abilities.

The rules remain largely the same as in non-disabled lawn bowls, focusing on precision and strategy to place bowls closest to the jack. Lawn bowls has featured in the Commonwealth Games.

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Para canoeing is a Paralympic sport and athletes are classified into KL (kayak) or VL (va’a outrigger canoe) classes based on functional ability and limb use.

Athletes may adapt paddle grip, stroke technique, or use prosthetics to aid propulsion. Races are held over 200 metres.

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Para cycling offers a wide range of events for athletes with lower limb impairments, covering both road and track disciplines. Competitors are classified into categories such as C (standard bicycles), T (tricycles), or H (handcycles), depending on balance, muscle strength, and limb function. Riders might use adapted bikes, prosthetic limbs, or modified pedal systems to suit their abilities and ensure safety and performance. Races range from short sprints to time trials and long-distance events.

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Para equestrian enables athletes with upper limb impairments to compete in para dressage at the Paralympic Games, classified into Grades I–V based on balance, coordination, and limb function.

Riders may use adaptations such as modified saddles, special stirrups, or rein attachments to help maintain stability and effective communication with the horse. The rules follow those of non-disabled dressage, with individual and team events judged on precision, harmony, and technical skill.

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Para powerlifting is a Paralympic event and has also featured in the Commonwealth Games. It is open to athletes with lower limb impairments, including amputations, spinal cord injuries, or other conditions affecting leg function.

Competitors all perform the bench press, lying flat and lowering the bar to their chest before pressing it upwards in a controlled lift. Athletes compete in events defined by body weight, rather than impairment type.

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Para rowers are classified into PR1, PR2, and PR3 depending on their leg, trunk, and arm function. Those with significant leg impairments often compete in PR1, rowing with mainly arms and shoulders from fixed seats, while athletes with partial leg function may compete in PR2 or PR3 using sliding seats. Boats and equipment may be adapted for stability or balance. Races are contested over 2,000 metres.

Welsh athlete Ben Pritchard became the PR1 Men’s Single Sculls Paralympic champion at Paris 2024.

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Para shooting includes athletes with lower limb impairments, who compete in rifle and pistol events across standing and seated positions. Competitors are classified into SH1 (able to support the firearm without assistance) or SH2 (requiring a shooting stand due to limited arm function), though lower limb impairments alone usually place athletes in SH1. Athletes may shoot from wheelchairs or stools if standing is not possible, and equipment can be adapted for balance or support.

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Sitting volleyball is a team sport that welcomes players with various impairment types affecting their upper or lower limbs.

Athletes are classified into either VS1 or VS2 depending on the impact of their disability. A team can field a maximum of two VS2 athletes (less affected by their disability) on court at any time.

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Para swimming features in both the Paralympic and Commonwealth Games. Para swimming offers a wide range of events for athletes with lower limb impairments, who are classified into S1–S10, depending on the level of muscle strength, joint movement, and coordination.

Swimmers may adapt their techniques for starts, turns, and strokes to accommodate reduced leg function, relying more heavily on upper body strength and streamlined positioning.

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Para table tennis is open to athletes with lower limb impairments, who may compete either standing or in a wheelchair. Standing players are classified in Classes 6–10, depending on balance, mobility, and leg function, while wheelchair users compete in Classes 1–5, based on trunk control and stability. Players often adapt footwork, positioning, and technique to suit their abilities, ensuring effective movement around the table. Events include singles and team competitions.

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Para triathlon provides opportunities for athletes with lower limb impairments to compete across swimming, cycling, and running disciplines. Competitors are classified into categories such as PTS2 to PTS5, depending on the severity of their impairment and how it affects movement. Athletes might use prosthetic limbs for running, adapted bikes for cycling, or modify their swim techniques to suit their abilities.

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Wheelchair basketball is a fast-paced, exciting sport that welcomes athletes with lower limb impairments, including amputations, spinal cord injuries, or other conditions affecting leg function.

Players are classified on a points system from 1.0 to 4.5, reflecting trunk control and balance. A team's total classification points may not exceed 14.0, ensuring fair team composition.

It is competed at the Paralympic Games, and its 3X3 format is played at the Commonwealth Games.

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Wheelchair fencing welcomes athletes with lower limb impairments, who compete seated with their wheelchairs fixed in place on a fencing piste. Competitors are classified into Category A or B, based on balance and trunk control, as lower limb impairment alone doesn’t affect arm reach or fencing technique. Athletes use épée, foil, or sabre, adapting tactics for close combat while seated. Bouts are fast-paced, requiring precision and quick reflexes.

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Wheelchair tennis is designed for athletes with lower limb impairments, including those with spinal cord injuries, amputations, or other conditions affecting leg function. Players manoeuvre specialised sports wheelchairs around the court, demonstrating impressive agility and skill. The game follows the same rules as non-disabled tennis, with the key adaptation that the ball is allowed to bounce twice. Competitions feature singles and doubles events.

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Para archery can be competed by athletes with both upper and lower limb impairments, who are classified into groups like W1 or ARW2, depending on trunk stability, arm strength, and hand function. Those with combined impairments may shoot from a wheelchair or seated position and often use adaptations such as mouth tabs, specialised release aids, or modified bow grips to accommodate limited limb use.

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Para athletics features prominently in both the Paralympic and Commonwealth Games, and includes many events suitable for athletes with a wide range of impairments. Competitors may use prosthetic limbs, racing wheelchairs, or adapted throwing frames to suit their needs.

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Para badminton includes athletes with both upper and lower limb impairments, classified into categories such as WH1 and WH2 for wheelchair users, depending on trunk control and balance. Players may adapt their grip, racquet handling, and movement techniques to accommodate limitations in arm reach or leg function. The sport features singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events, with matches played under slightly modified rules to ensure fair play. Para badminton is part of the Paralympic Games and has also been featured in the Commonwealth Games since Birmingham 2022.

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Boccia is a precision sport where the aim is to place balls as close as possible to the target jack. It is competed by athletes with physical impairments significantly affecting strength, control and mobility, including conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.

Players are classified into categories BC1 to BC4, based on their functional ability to throw or kick the ball. Those unable to propel the ball themselves, due to significant upper limb impairment, compete in BC3 and use ramps and head or mouth pointers to direct their shots.

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Para bowls (para lawn bowls) is open athletes who may compete either standing or from a wheelchair. Players can use assistive devices such as bowling arms or ramps if needed, and may adjust their stance or delivery technique to suit their physical abilities.

The rules remain largely the same as in non-disabled lawn bowls, focusing on precision and strategy to place bowls closest to the jack. Lawn bowls has featured in the Commonwealth Games.

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Para canoeing includes athletes with both upper and lower limb impairments, who compete in kayak (KL) or va’a (VL) events over 200 metres. Classification into groups like KL1 or VL1 depends on trunk strength, balance, and the ability to use arms and legs. Athletes with significant impairments may paddle using mainly their arms and shoulders and often rely on adaptive seating or stabilising equipment for support.

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Para cycling offers a wide range of events for disabled athletes covering both road and track disciplines. Competitors are classified into categories such as C (standard bicycles), T (tricycles), or H (handcycles), depending on balance, muscle strength, and limb function. Riders might use adapted bikes, prosthetic limbs, or modified pedal systems to suit their abilities and ensure safety and performance. Races range from short sprints to time trials and long-distance events.

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Para equestrian enables disabled athletes to compete in para dressage at the Paralympic Games, classified into Grades I–V based on balance, coordination, and limb function.

Riders may use adaptations such as modified saddles, special stirrups, or rein attachments to help maintain stability and effective communication with the horse. The rules follow those of non-disabled dressage, with individual and team events judged on precision, harmony, and technical skill.

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Para rowers are classified into PR1, PR2, and PR3 depending on their leg, trunk, and arm function. Those with significant leg impairments often compete in PR1, rowing with mainly arms and shoulders from fixed seats, while athletes with partial leg function may compete in PR2 or PR3 using sliding seats. Boats and equipment may be adapted for stability or balance. Races are contested over 2,000 metres.

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Para shooting divides athletes into SH1 (able to support the firearm unaided) and SH2 (requiring a shooting stand due to limited arm function). Those with significant impairments may shoot from a seated position, often using adapted equipment like customised grips, supports, or trigger mechanisms to enable accurate shooting.

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Sitting volleyball is a team sport that welcomes players with various impairment types affected their upper or lower limbs.

Athletes are classified into either VS1 or VS2 depending on the impact of their disability. A team can field a maximum of two VS2 athletes (less affected by their disability) on court at any time.

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Para swimming is part of both the Paralympic Games and the Commonwealth Games.

Para swimming offers a wide range of events for athletes with both upper and lower limb impairments, who are classified into S1–S10 depending on their muscle strength, joint movement, and coordination.

Events may allow swimmers to adapt their stroke technique, starts, and turns to maximise efficiency and speed to compensate for reduced limb movement.

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Para table tennis welcomes athletes with both upper and lower limb impairments, who may compete either standing or in a wheelchair. Players are classified into Classes 1–5 for wheelchair users, based on trunk control and arm function, and Classes 6–10 for standing players, reflecting balance, reach, and leg movement. Those with combined impairments may adapt how they grip the bat, serve, and move around the table, sometimes using prosthetic devices or modified techniques.

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Para triathlon provides opportunities for disabled athletes to compete across swimming, cycling/handcycling, and running/pushing disciplines.

Competitors are classified into PTS2 to PTS5 for running athletes, and PTWC H1/H2 for wheelchair/handcycle athletes, depending on the impact of their impairment and how it affects movement. Athletes might use prosthetic limbs for running, adapted bikes for cycling, or modify their swim techniques to suit their abilities.

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Wheelchair basketball is a fast-paced, exciting sport competed by athletes with impairments including amputations, spinal cord injuries, or other conditions affecting leg function.

Players are classified on a points system from 1.0 to 4.5, reflecting trunk control and balance. A team's total classification points may not exceed 14.0, ensuring fair team composition.

It is competed at the Paralympic Games, and its 3X3 format is played at the Commonwealth Games.

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Wheelchair fencing athletes compete seated with their wheelchairs fixed in place on a fencing piste. Competitors are classified into Category A or B, based on balance and trunk control, as lower limb impairment alone doesn’t affect arm reach or fencing technique. Athletes use épée, foil, or sabre, adapting tactics for close combat while seated. Bouts are fast-paced, requiring precision and quick reflexes.

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Wheelchair rugby is specifically designed for athletes with impairments affecting both upper and lower limbs, often resulting from conditions like spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, or limb deficiency. Players are classified from 0.5 to 3.5 points, with lower scores reflecting greater physical impairment, especially in arm and hand function. Teams must manage a points maximum of 8.0 on the court to ensure fairness and tactical variety. The game is fast-paced and highly physical, played on a basketball court with a ball similar to a volleyball.

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Wheelchair tennis is designed for athletes with lower limb impairments, including those with spinal cord injuries, amputations, or other conditions affecting leg function. Players manoeuvre specialised sports wheelchairs around the court, demonstrating impressive agility and skill. The game follows the same rules as non-disabled tennis, with the key adaptation that the ball is allowed to bounce twice. Competitions feature singles and doubles events.

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