The Lima 2019 Parapan American Games have come to show the world that what we thought impossible is possible.  If you do not believe it, you can ask the Peruvian Para athletes who have already won three medals in Para athletics.  Not to mention the large number of Para athletes from all over America who are standing out!

For sure you know that competitions are classified with certain codes such as T20, T46, F51 and more.  These codes refer to various types of impairment and are used so that Para athletes can compete in an equitable way according to their type of impairment, such as visual (complete or partial vision loss), mental, or physical (from different levels of deficiencies or motor conditions to amputations).

If you want to learn more about these classifications, read on!

PARA AThletics

The letter F refers to those competing in the field; while the T refers to those competing on track. The number that goes next to these letters refers to the level of impairment:

• 11-13: Visual impairment. It can be complete or partial vision loss. Para athletes who run accompanied by a guide and guided using a belt must follow the most important rule: do not let go of the belt at any time during the race.
• 20: Athletes with intellectual impairment.
• 32-34 and 52-54: Athletes with some type of condition or limitation that prevents the use of their limbs.  They compete in a wheelchair.
• 36-38: Athletes with some type of condition or limitation that prevents the use of their limbs.
• 40: Athletes with short stature (dwarfism).
• 42-47: Athletes with some type of amputation.  Athletes in this category compete standing up and do not use a wheelchair.
• 61-64: Athletes with some type of amputation in their lower limbs.  They compete using prostheses.

Of course, not everything is running!  Other athletics disciplines that you can see are: discus throw, shot put, javelin, and long jump.

PARA cycling road
 

It was initially made for people with visual impairment, using tandem bicycles (for two players), but thanks to the technological developments, there is a wider range of athletes. Now people with physical impairment can also compete.

It is divided into two disciplines: Para cycling road, that will be held at the Costa Verde beach circuit in San Miguel, and Para cycling track, that will be held at the velodrome of the VIDENA. Para cycling classifications:

• C1-C5 Bicycle: Athletes with lower limb impairment. Held on roads and tracks.
• T1 and T2 Tricycle: Athletes with a coordination impairment. Held only on roads.
• Tandem: Athletes with visual impairment. The sighted guides are in the front. Held on roads and tracks.
• H1- H5 Handcycle: Athletes with a spinal cord impairment. Held only on tracks.

Yes, there are a lot of classification, but that should make us realize there are a lot of functional diversities.  Athletes who compete in these classifications share something in common: their passion to achieve the best result!

ARE YOU GOING TO MISS OUT?

The last opportunities to feel the adrenaline of these disciplines will be tomorrow (Para athletics), and on Friday and Sunday (Para cycling road). We suggest you buy your ticket as soon as possible! Here are the links:

• 28/08 Para athletics (Buy here)
• 30/08 and 01/09 Para cycling road

Do not forget that Para cycling road will take place on August 30 (from 09:00 to 13:00) and on September 1 (from 08:00 to 12:30) at Costa Verde – San Miguel.

 We’ll be waiting for you!