Sport for athletes with a disability has existed for more than 100 years. Introduced after World War ll, sport as rehabilitation and treatment helped meet the medical and psychological needs of the many injured soldiers and civilians. In 1944, a spinal injuries centre was opened, which saw rehabilitation sport evolving into recreational sport, which in turn led to competitive sport.

The first competition for wheelchair athletes was held on the day of the Opening Ceremony of the 1948 Olympic Games in London. The concept grew rapidly and in 1960, the first Paralympic Games were held directly following the Olympic Games in Rome, Italy. The event used the same venues and format as the Olympic event and included 400 athletes from 23 countries.

With such rapid growth in competitive sports for athletes with a disability, numerous international sports organizations were formed to represent athletes. However, these organizations are either limited to one disability group or to one specific sport and an umbrella organisation that represented all athletes with a disability was needed. Learn more >>