paralympics? paralyzed or parallel?

[keannu]

Is "Paralympics" derived from "Olympics for the paralyzed(handicapped)" or "Parallel events with the regular Olympics"? Do you happen to know the origin?

 

[Chicken Sandwich]

The word “Paralympic” derives from the Greek preposition “para” (beside or alongside) and the word “Olympic”. Its meaning is that Paralympics are the parallel Games to the Olympics and illustrates how the two movements exist side-by-side.

Source: History of the Movement | IPC

 

[emsr2d2]

It's a common misconception that the word "paralysed" or "paraplegic" has something to do with the name "Paralympics". However, that would make no sense because many of the contestants are neither paralysed nor paraplegic.

 

[Huda-M]

It's a common misconception that the word "paralysed" or "paraplegic" has something to do with the name "Paralympics". However, that would make no sense because many of the contestants are neither paralysed nor paraplegic.

But aren't the Paralympics for those handicapped or paralysed, or, physically unwell in any way?

 

[emsr2d2]

But aren't the Paralympics for those handicapped or paralysed, or, physically unwell in any way?

They are for people who are not fully able-bodied, but that includes the deaf, the blind, and those with physical impairments ranging from low-level up to severe. My point was that if the name meant "Paralysed or paraplegic Olympics", you would expect all the competitors to be either paralysed or paraplegic and that simply is not the case.

 

[emsr2d2]

Just a quick addition to my post above - I realised that the deaf do not take part in the Paralympics because they have their own Deaf Olympics - the Deaflympics.