Athletics

This combination of sports, otherwise known as track & field, encompasses most of the classic skills: running, jumping, and throwing. With a myriad of events interwoven under the umbrella of athletics, it allows participants to specialize in one particular event, or give several disciplines a try. While many events are only slightly altered to allow for athletes with disabilities to compete, several new events have been developed to enable a greater variety of abilities to take part.

Track Events

Generally track races are organized with athletes of similar classifications being run in group heats. Often the sprint events are the focal point from the spectators’ perspective since with a late charge from one athlete; the atmosphere can instantly become electric.

Needless to say, with the 60 M and 100 M distances, the sole emphasis is on power and acceleration. The shorter distances are generally run for junior athletes (under 16) who can be ambulatory or use wheelchairs. A balance of speed and endurance is needed for the 200 M and 400 M events. Over the longer distances, the outcome becomes a combination of fitness, strategy and sheer will. The 800 M and 1500 M are the most commonly run of the longer distances.

In the Field

Some of the most technically demanding elements are used in the field events. While physical strength is a very useful attribute in these events, fluid motion and concentration are perhaps more relevant to success.

For throwers in wheelchairs, there is the option to have their chair secured to the ground. This way the thrower can exert maximum power into the throw without worrying about the chair tipping or moving.  Here is a brief overview of the most popular field events.

Discus

A disc, made with a rubber or metal rim, is thrown with a spinning action of the wrist. The rest of the momentum of the throw comes from a combination of hip, shoulder and arm action. A throwing effort with proper technique is truly a thing to behold, but it comes only with a lot of practice and concentration. The disc is used in standard sizes for the different age and ability classifications.

Shot-put

This event is the most heavily reliant on the pure strength of the competitor, but differences do exist between a throw made standing still and one achieved with the momentum of a moving approach. Again, athletes using wheelchairs may use grounded restraints to add stability.

Club Throw

Junior athletes are often introduced to the field through this event, because it uses the most basic philosophy for throwing, with plenty of height and power. Participants are encouraged to experiment with different styles. Depending on the balance, range of movement, and personal preference, athletes may use overhand and underhand throwing techniques. Although Class 6, 7, and 8 cannot compete once they turn sixteen, those in Class 5 and lower may continue in this discipline after they turn sixteen.

Javelin

In javelin the athlete attempts to throw a spear with a smooth, continuous stroke. With a fluid stroke, athletes launch the javelin from a stationary position, with or without a wheelchair, or from a running start.

Racerunner

The Race Runner (formerly known as PETRA) is a piece of equipment developed to assist in the mobility of non-ambulatory (class CP1 & CP2) athletes.  It is a device which resembles a modified bicycle.  There are, however, no foot pedals; instead the athlete is supported by leaning on a cushion usually placed in front of their chest or stomach.  They lean forward onto this cushion with their hands on the handle bars (sometimes strapped in) and propel the Race Runner with their feet. This piece of equipment allows the athlete a degree of mobility that they may not have the opportunity to experience anywhere else.  In races athletes achieve incredible speeds and Race Runner is becoming a very competitive and tremendously enjoyed sport.  SportAbility is proud to provide our athletes with the opportunity to try the racerunner.