Para archery is one of the sports most similar to its able-bodied counterpart, allowing disabled archers to compete in both the Olympics and Paralympics, provided they meet the necessary qualification criteria. To ensure a level playing field, para archers can utilize assistive devices alongside their competitors in able-bodied events.
In Paralympic archery, there are three primary shooting categories: W1, compound open, and recurve open. Each category is designed to accommodate varying levels of impairment.
Assistive Devices for Para Archers
Disabled archers are permitted to use a range of assistive devices to aid their performance. These may include release aids, mouth tabs, stools, and wheelchairs. Classified athletes can also compete in target archery events against able-bodied archers while using these assistive devices.
Visually impaired archers are categorized based on the severity of their impairment. Those with less severe impairments are required to wear blindfolds during competitions. Visually impaired athletes shoot from a distance of 30 meters using tactile sights and may have an assistant to help with arrow loading and scoring.
Classification for Para Archery
To compete in para archery, athletes must undergo classification, which determines their eligibility to use assistive devices and ensures fair competition by grouping athletes according to the severity of their impairment.
In the open category, archers typically have impairments affecting either the top or bottom halves of their bodies or one side. They can use either a recurve or compound bow and compete in the recurve open or compound open categories. In the recurve open category, archers shoot at a 70-meter distance on a 122-centimeter target, with a qualification round followed by set system elimination matches. In the compound open category, archers shoot at 50 meters on an 80-centimeter target, starting with a ranking round followed by cumulative scoring elimination matches.
Athletes in the W1 category generally have impairments affecting both the upper and lower halves of their bodies, their torso, and at least three limbs. In this category, both recurve and compound bows are used, but there are restrictions such as a maximum draw weight of 45 pounds and prohibitions on magnified and peep sights. W1 compound archers shoot at an 80-centimeter target from 50 meters for both qualification and cumulative scoring elimination matches.
The History of Archery at the Paralympic Games
Archery was first introduced as a rehabilitation activity for World War II veterans by Dr. Ludwig Guttmann at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in the 1940s. Dr. Guttmann, a Jewish doctor who fled Nazi Germany, utilized innovative rehabilitation techniques to help injured veterans regain their independence and confidence. He organized wheelchair sports like polo and basketball, significantly impacting those who had been told they would never walk again.
Archery quickly became popular due to its reliance on upper body strength and its capacity to allow disabled athletes to compete against able-bodied counterparts. Dr. Guttmann’s approach focused on empowering individuals by highlighting their abilities rather than their limitations, helping them regain a sense of pride and self-respect through sport.
On July 28, 1948, while the Olympic Games were opening in London, Dr. Guttmann hosted the inaugural Stoke Mandeville Games. This event featured 14 men and two women with spinal injuries competing in wheelchairs, with archery being a highlight. By 1950, the games had expanded to include 60 competitors across various sports. Dr. Guttmann is widely recognized as the founder of the Paralympic movement, which gained international momentum with the participation of a Dutch team in 1952.
The first official Paralympic Games took place in Rome in 1960, and archery has remained a staple of the program ever since.
FAQs
What is Para Archery?
Para archery is a variant of the sport of archery specifically designed for athletes with physical impairments. It is governed by World Archery and follows similar rules and equipment as standard archery, with modifications to accommodate different abilities. Para archery is also a part of the Paralympic Games.
What types of disabilities are included in Para Archery?
Para archery includes athletes with a range of physical disabilities, such as spinal cord injuries, limb loss, cerebral palsy, and other conditions that affect mobility and coordination. Athletes are classified into different categories based on their functional abilities to ensure fair competition.
What equipment is used in Para Archery?
Athletes in para archery use similar equipment to standard archery, including bows (recurve or compound), arrows, and targets. Depending on the athlete’s needs, adaptive equipment such as specialized release aids, modified bow grips, or wheelchairs may be used to help them participate effectively.
How are athletes classified in Para Archery?
In para archery, athletes are classified based on their level of impairment and physical functionality. This classification ensures that athletes compete against others with similar abilities. There are three main categories: Open, W1 (for athletes with the most significant impairments), and VI (for visually impaired athletes).