The Paralympic Games

         The Paralympic Games consist of a sports event, which consists of competitions among top athletes from people with a disability, whether physical or sensory. In a nutshell, it is the traditional Olympic Games, whose dispute is made only with adapted sports. The resemblance to the Olympics does not end there: the Games take place in the same location as the traditional Olympics, but are soon started after its closure.      

         Historically, it is believed that the origin of sports competitions among people with disabilities has occurred in the United States and England, because of the number of men who fought in World War II and lost a limb or suffered some kind of severe trauma. These competitions had as main objective to rehabilitate ex-combatants, as well as stimulate them physically and emotionally. The first games of this nature were organized in a London hospital in 1948.

         The Paralympics in 2016 (15th edition) will take place in the city of Rio de Janeiro between the 7th of September (opening ceremony) and 18 September (closing ceremony). Both ceremonies will take place at Maracana Stadium. According to estimates, should participate more than 4000 athletes from about 160 countries.

Below is the symbol of the Paralympic Games:

                                               Igor Sales Neri