I have just now heard for the first time ever the meaning of Paralympics.
Para short for Parallel.
So Paralympics means - run parallel to the Olympics.
Paralympics are the parallel Games to the Olympics and illustrates how the two movements exist side-by-side.
Who knew?
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There is, somewhere, a table and designation by numbers, the degree of each disability and if I can find it, I’ll add it to this thread.
EDITED to add
IPC Classification - Paralympic Categories & How to Qualify
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I always thought it meant ‘Paraplegic’
Quote:-
: partial or complete paralysis of the lower half of the body with involvement of both legs that is usually due to injury or disease of the spinal cord in the thoracic or lumbar region. paraplegic. ˌper-ə-ˈplē-jik. ˌpa-rə- adjective or noun.17 Jul 2024
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That was probably my thinking as well.
But as we see, there are amputees, so Paraplegia is out for linking Paralympics
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To be honest Bretrick, I didn’t really know what ‘paraplegic’ meant until I just looked it up.
I knew it was something to do with being disabled… 
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I’m on the side of thinking it was a sort of what we Americans call Special Olympics, except physically and not mentally challenged.
I watched only briefly at times, but was totally impressed with each participant in all of the events.
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