The Paralympic Games FAQs
When will the 2012 London Paralympic Games take place?
- Paralympic Games, 29 August – 9 September
- Olympic Games, 27 July – 12 August
What are the Paralympic Games?
The Paralympic Games are elite sports competitions for athletes from five different disability groups. The Paralympics focus on athletes’ abilities and achievements, not their disability.
There are four words that sum up the spirit of the Paralympic Games:
Determination, Courage, Inspiration, Equality.
How can people get tickets to the Paralympic Games?
1.5 million tickets will be available for the Paralympic Games in 2012.
Tickets for both the Paralympic Games and the Olympic Games will be available from 2011, and subject to availability remain on sale until the start of every event.
The London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) has not yet announced details of how to purchase tickets.
LOCOG is aiming to repeat the success of the Manchester Commonwealth Games where 90% of the seats were sold.
LOCOG has said that tickets will be fairly priced to ensure events are as full as possible and create a great atmosphere at events.
Who takes part in the Paralympic Games, and what sports are included in the competitions?
The Paralympic Games are competitions for athletes in five different disability groups:
- Amputee
- Cerebral Palsy
- Visual Impairment
- Spinal Cord injury
- Les Autres (meaning ‘the others’) – this term applies to athletes that do not fit into traditional classification systems – Dwarfism is an example
Paralympic Sports
The current Paralympic summer sports are:
- Archery
- Athletics
- Basketball
- Boccia
- Cycling
- Equestrian
- Fencing
- Football
- Goalball
- Judo
- Powerlifting
- Rowing
- Rugby
- Sailing
- Shooting
- Swimming
- Table Tennis
- Tennis
- Volleyball
The current Paralympic Winter Sports are:
- Alpine Skiing
- Nordic Skiing
- Ice Sledge Hockey
- Wheelchair Curling
Why is the Paralympic Games important to Hackney?
Hackney is a host borough for the 2012 Paralympic and Olympic Games.
Hackney Council is determined that everyone who lives in the borough will feel involved in 2012, and we are committed to giving our disabled residents better access to opportunities in activities such as sport and physical activity, art and culture, and work and volunteering.
How can residents get involved in the Paralympic Games?
Volunteering is one of the key ways Hackney residents can get involved with the Paralympic and Olympic Games.
Personal Best is the official volunteering programme for 2012 and will train volunteers for both the Paralympic and Olympic Games.
Hackney is recruiting Personal Best volunteers now; trainees come from a range of backgrounds which include people at risk of exclusion including people with disabilities, older people and young people not in employment, education or training.
Page updated: 13 Aug 2009