Summer Paralympic Games: A Historical Study of the Development of Sports from Rome to Tokyo (1960-2020)

Abstract

Sports are one of the most important activities invented by man from ancient times to the present day. The objectives of these activities have varied since ancient times. The aim of the researchers is that Provide a comprehensive historical analysis of the inclusion of sports in the Paralympic Games from 1960 to 2024. It also aims to track the chronological evolution of Paralympic sports and identifying the factors affecting the joining of new sports. The researchers used the historical method or the so-called documentary method, taking advantage of the analysis and discussion of all existing documents about the Paralympic Games in books, journals, research, and periodicals, published and unpublished.  The researchers concluded that the study illustrated the great historical progress that the Paralympic Games have witnessed since their inception in Rome in 1960. This development is not only limited to an increase in the number of sports included in the Paralympic programme, but also a significant increase in the number of countries and athletes involved. The study also showed the mechanism of the Paralympic programme. While some games maintain their core status, new sports are added periodically in response to technological developments and changing athletes' interests. In contrast, other sports are excluded for various reasons such as low popularity or difficulty adapting them to a variety of disabilities. The researchers recommended that expanding academic research in the field of Paralympic sport, through more comprehensive and focused studies on the history and development of these Games.  Also intensively working to raise awareness of the importance of Paralympic sports and its role in empowering people with disabilities and integrating them into society.