How to Become a Paralympian: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Paralympic Games represent the pinnacle of competitive adaptive sport. Just as Olympic athletes are the best in their field, Paralympians are elite competitors who have dedicated years to their sport and the path to get there starts with a single step.
Move United is the nation’s largest network of community-based adaptive sports organizations and a U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee affiliate. We connect people with disabilities to sports opportunities at every level — from recreational participation to Paralympic competition. Here’s how the journey works.
STEP 1: TRY EVERYTHING. HAVE FUN.
Every adaptive athlete’s journey begins with showing up. Start by exploring the adaptive sports available in your school, your community, or through a Move United member program near you. With more than 70 adaptive sports to choose from, there’s something for everyone — regardless of disability, age, or experience level.
Don’t worry about finding the “right” sport right away. The goal at this stage is to move, connect, and discover what excites you. Find your sport.
STEP 2: SPECIALIZE. TRAIN. COMPETE.
Once you’ve found a sport that energizes you, commit to it. Begin training regularly, enter local and regional adaptive sports competitions, and focus on improving your fitness and skills. Seek out coaches and mentors who understand adaptive sport and can guide your development as an athlete.
Consistent training and competition experience are what separate recreational athletes from elite Paralympic competitors. This stage takes time, and that’s exactly the point.
STEP 3: UNDERSTAND PARALYMPIC CLASSIFICATION.
Paralympic classification is the foundation of fair competition in Paralympic sport. It determines athlete eligibility and assigns athletes to sport categories designed to minimize the impact of impairment on performance, ensuring that sport outcomes are determined by skill, fitness, and training.
Each Paralympic sport has its own classification system. As you advance in your sport, work with your coaches to understand your classification and what it means for your competitive Paralympic pathway.
STEP 4: CONNECT WITH MOVE UNITED.
Becoming a Paralympian is one path in a much larger world of adaptive sport and recreation. Move United connects athletes with member programs, competitions, coaching resources, and a community of people who share your drive.
Join Move United and let us support your journey, wherever it takes you. The adaptive sports movement is bigger than any single competition, and there’s a place in it for every athlete.
READY TO START?
With 245+ adaptive sports programs in 45 states, your next step is closer than you think. Find a Move United member program near you at moveunitedsport.org/locations and complete this form to take your first step today.
Share
