View source for Summer Paralympic Games

{{Short description|International multi-sport event for disabled athletes}}
{{pp|small=yes}} 
{{infobox recurring event
| name = Summer Paralympic Games
| image = Vasque Olympique Jardin Tuileries - Paris I (FR75) - 2024-07-27 - 25.jpg
| image_size = 200px
| caption = The Paralympic cauldron in [[Paris]] during the [[2024 Summer Paralympics]].
| list_years = yes
| list_sports = yes
}}
{{Paralympic Games sidebar}}

The '''Summer Paralympics''', also known as the '''Games of the Paralympiad''', are an international [[multi-sport event]] where athletes with physical disabilities compete. This includes athletes with mobility disabilities, amputations, blindness, and cerebral palsy. The [[Paralympic Games]] are held every four years, organized by the [[International Paralympic Committee]]. Medals are awarded in every event, with gold medals for first place, silver for second and bronze for third, a tradition that the [[Olympic Games]] started in 1904.

The United States, United Kingdom and Japan have each hosted the Summer Paralympic Games twice. Another eleven countries hosted the summer Paralympics once, this list includes: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, South Korea and Spain.

As of the 2024 Summer Paralympics, fourteen countries have competed in every edition of the Summer Games:
[[Argentina at the Paralympics|Argentina]], [[Australia at the Paralympics|Australia]], [[Austria at the Paralympics|Austria]], [[Belgium at the Paralympics|Belgium]], [[France at the Paralympics|France]], [[Great Britain at the Paralympics|Great Britain]], [[Ireland at the Paralympics|Ireland]], [[Israel at the Paralympics|Israel]], [[Italy at the Paralympics|Italy]], [[Japan at the Paralympics|Japan]], the [[Netherlands at the Paralympics|Netherlands]], [[Sweden at the Paralympics|Sweden]], [[Switzerland at the Paralympics|Switzerland]], and the [[United States at the Paralympics|United States]] were represented at all Summer Paralympic Games. From this list, around 6 achieved gold medals in all editions until 2024: Australia, France, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands and the United States.

The United States was the top-ranking (medals) nation for eight Paralympic Summer Games: [[1964 Summer Paralympics|1964]], [[1968 Summer Paralympics|1968]], [[1976 Summer Paralympics|1976]], [[1980 Summer Paralympics|1980]], [[1984 Summer Paralympics|1984]], [[1988 Summer Paralympics|1988]], [[1992 Summer Paralympics|1992]] and [[1996 Summer Paralympics|1996]]. [[China at the Paralympics|China]] was the top-ranking nation for the six most recent Games, [[2004 Summer Paralympics|2004]], [[2008 Summer Paralympics|2008]], [[2012 Summer Paralympics|2012]], [[2016 Summer Paralympics|2016]], [[2020 Summer Paralympics|2020]] and [[2024 Summer Paralympics|2024]]. Three other countries managed to achieve this position at least once: Italy ([[1960 Summer Paralympics|1960]]), [[West Germany at the Paralympics| Germany]] ([[1972 Summer Paralympics|1972]]) and Australia ([[2000 Summer Paralympics|2000]]).

==Qualification==
Qualification rules for each of the Paralympic sports are set by the [[sport governing body|International Federation]] (IF) that governs that sport's international competition.

==History==

The first official Paralympic Games was held in [[Rome]], [[Italy]], in [[1960 Summer Paralympics|1960]].<ref>[https://www.cbc.ca/sports/2.720/paralympics-traces-roots-to-second-world-war-1.697123 "Paralympics traces roots to Second World War"], CBC, September 3, 2008</ref> 400 athletes from 23 countries competed at the 1960 Games though only athletes in wheelchairs competed.

At the [[1976 Summer Paralympics|1976 Summer Games]] athletes with different disabilities were included for the first time at a summer Paralympics. With the inclusion of more disability classifications, the 1976 Summer Games expanded to 1,600 athletes from 40 countries.<ref name=winterhistory>{{cite web|title=History of the Paralympic Games|publisher=Government of Canada|url=http://www.canada2010.gc.ca/101/histor/010203-eng.cfm|access-date=2010-04-07|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100312224915/http://www.canada2010.gc.ca/101/histor/010203-eng.cfm|archive-date=2010-03-12}}</ref>

The [[1988 Summer Paralympics]] were the first to be hosted in the same venues (and thus use the same facilities) as the [[1988 Summer Olympics|Olympics]] of that year. Since then, all Paralympic Games are now held in the same city that hosted the Olympics, with a two-week gap between each.

Rio de Janeiro held the [[2016 Summer Paralympics]], becoming the first [[Latin America]]n and [[South America]]n city to host either the Summer or Winter Games. Tokyo hosted the [[2020 Summer Paralympics]] which made it the first city to host the games twice.

==Functional Classification==
[[File:Wheelchair basketball at the 2008 Summer Paralympics.jpg|thumb|A wheelchair basketball game at the 2008 Summer Paralympics]]

Every participant at the Paralympics has their disability grouped into one of ten [[#Disability categories|disability categories]]; impaired muscle power, impaired passive range of movement, limb deficiency, leg length difference, short stature, [[hypertonia]], [[ataxia]], [[athetosis]], vision impairment and intellectual impairment.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.paralympic.org/classification|title = IPC Classification - Paralympic Categories & How to Qualify}}</ref> Each [[Paralympic Games#Summer sports|Paralympic sport]] then has its own classifications, dependent upon the specific physical demands of competition. Events are given a code, made of numbers and letters, describing the type of event and classification of the athletes competing. Some sports, such as [[Athletics at the 2008 Summer Paralympics|athletics]], divide athletes by both the category and severity of their disabilities, other sports, for example [[Swimming at the 2008 Summer Paralympics|swimming]], group competitors from different categories together, the only separation being based on the severity of the disability.<ref name=class3>{{cite news |title=A-Z of Paralympic classification |publisher=[[BBC|BBC Sport]] |date=28 August 2008 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/disability_sport/7586684.stm |access-date=25 December 2015}}</ref> Within the ten disability categories the athletes still need to be divided according to their level of impairment. The classification systems differ from sport to sport and is intended to even the playing field so as to allow as many athletes to participate as possible. Classifications vary in accordance with the different skills required to perform the sport.

=== [[Archery at the Summer Paralympics|Archery]] ===
Archery is open to athletes with a physical disability. Classifications are broken up into three divisions: W1, spinal cord injured and cerebral palsy athletes with impairment in all four limbs. W2, wheelchair users with full arm function. W3, standing amputee, ''[[Les Autres]]'' and cerebral palsy standing athletes. Some athletes in the standing group will sit on a high stool for support but will still have their feet touching the ground.<ref>{{cite web |title=Archery |publisher=Australian Paralympic Committee |url=http://www.paralympic.org.au/Sport/SportProfiles/Archey.aspx |access-date=2010-04-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090913021530/http://www.paralympic.org.au/Sport/SportProfiles/Archey.aspx |archive-date=September 13, 2009 }}</ref>

=== [[Athletics at the Summer Paralympics|Athletics]] ===
Athletics are open to all disability groups and uses a functional classification system. A brief classification guide is as follows: prefixing F for field athletes or T for track athletes. F or T 11–13 are visually impaired, F or T 20 are learning disabled, F or T 32–38 are cerebral palsy, F or T 40–46 amputee and ''Les Autres'', T 51–54 wheelchair track athletes and F 51–58 wheelchair field athletes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Athletics |publisher=Australian Paralympic Committee |url=http://www.paralympic.org.au/Sport/SportProfiles/Athletics.aspx |access-date=2010-04-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100118115126/http://www.paralympic.org.au/Sport/SportProfiles/Athletics.aspx |archive-date=January 18, 2010 }}</ref>

=== [[Wheelchair basketball at the Summer Paralympics|Basketball]] ===
Basketball is open to wheelchair athletes. Wheelchair athletes are classified according to their physical ability and are given a point rating between 0.5 – 4.5. The individuals who rate at 0.5 are the most severely disabled and those at 4.5 are the least disabled. A team on the court comprises five players and may not exceed a total of 14 points at any given time.<ref>{{cite web|title=Basketball|publisher=International Paralympic Committee|url=http://www.paralympic.org/Sport/IF_Sports/Wheelchair_Basketball/index.html|access-date=2010-04-07}}</ref>

=== [[Boccia at the Summer Paralympics|Boccia]] ===
Boccia is open to athletes with cerebral palsy or related neurological conditions who compete from a wheelchair. Classifications are split into four groups; BC1: Athletes are either throwers or foot players (with cerebral palsy). Athletes may compete with an assistant 
BC2: For throwing players (with cerebral palsy). Players may not have an assistant
BC3: Athletes (with severe disability) who use an assistive device and may be assisted by a person, but this assistant must keep their back to the court.
BC4: For throwing players. Players may not have an assistant (non-cerebral palsy).<ref>{{cite web|title=Boccia rules of play|publisher=Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association|pages=6–8|url=http://www.cpisra.org/files/manual10p/CPISRA_Sports_Manual_10th_Edition_Section_B_Sports_Rules_Boccia_2010-02_Release_006.pdf|access-date=2010-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100525032707/http://www.cpisra.org/files/manual10p/CPISRA_Sports_Manual_10th_Edition_Section_B_Sports_Rules_Boccia_2010-02_Release_006.pdf|archive-date=2010-05-25|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== [[Cycling at the Summer Paralympics|Cycling]] ===
Cycling is open to amputee, ''Les Autres'', cerebral palsy and visually impaired athletes who compete in the individual road race and track events. Classifications are broken up into divisions 2, 3 and 4.  Athletes in division two are the most severely disabled. While athletes in division four are considered to be higher functioning.  Visually impaired athletes compete together with no separate classification system. They ride in tandem with a sighted guide. Amputee, spinal cord injury and ''Les Autres'' competitors compete within the classification groupings LC1 – for riders with upper limb disabilities, LC2 – for riders with disabilities in one leg but who are able to pedal normally, LC3 – essentially for riders with a handicap in one lower limb who will usually pedal with one leg only, and LC4 for riders with disabilities affecting both legs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cycling |publisher=Australian Paralympic Committee |url=http://www.paralympic.org.au/Sport/SportProfiles/Cycling.aspx |access-date=2010-04-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100304174015/http://www.paralympic.org.au/Sport/SportProfiles/Cycling.aspx |archive-date=March 4, 2010 }}</ref>

=== [[Equestrian at the Summer Paralympics|Equestrian]] ===
Equestrian is open to all disability groups, with riders divided into four grades. Grade 1 incorporates severely disabled riders with cerebral palsy, ''Les Autres'' and spinal cord injury. Grade 2 incorporates cerebral palsy, ''Les Autres'', spinal cord injury and amputee riders with reasonable balance and abdominal control. Grade 3 is for cerebral palsy, ''Les Autres'', amputee, spinal cord injury and totally blind athletes with good balance, leg movement and coordination. Grade 4 incorporates athletes who have cerebral palsy, ''Les Autres'', amputation(s), spinal cord injury and/or are visually impaired. This last group comprises ambulant athletes with either impaired vision or impaired arm/leg function.<ref>{{cite web |title=Equestrian |publisher=Australian Paralympic Committee |url=http://www.paralympic.org.au/Sport/SportProfiles/Equestrian.aspx |access-date=2010-04-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100304174011/http://www.paralympic.org.au/Sport/SportProfiles/Equestrian.aspx |archive-date=March 4, 2010 }}</ref>

=== [[Wheelchair fencing at the Summer Paralympics|Fencing]] ===
Fencing is open to wheelchair athletes. There are only three classes; class A incorporates those athletes with good balance and recovery and full trunk movement; class B is for those with poor balance and recovery but full use of one or both upper limbs; class C is for athletes with severe physical impairment in all four limbs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fencing Classification Rules|publisher=International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation|url=http://www.iwasf.com/iwasf/assets/File/Fencing/IWF_Classification_Rules.pdf|page=10|access-date=2010-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101214113659/http://www.iwasf.com/iwasf/assets/File/Fencing/IWF_Classification_Rules.pdf|archive-date=2010-12-14|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== [[Football 5-a-side at the Summer Paralympics|Football]] ===
There are two forms of football played at the Paralympics. The first is 5-a-side football, which is open to visually impaired athletes. The second is 7-a-side football, which is open to athletes with cerebral palsy.  5-a-side football is open to all visually impaired athletes. Since there are different levels of visual impairment, all players except the goalie (who acts as a guide) are required to wear eye shades. The field dimensions are smaller than able-bodied football, there are only five players on the pitch and the ball makes a sound. Otherwise, the rules are exactly the same as able-bodied football.<ref>{{cite web|title=Football 5-a-side|publisher=International Paralympic Committee|url=http://www.paralympic.org/Sport/IOSD_Sports/Football_5-a-side/index.html|access-date=2010-04-08}}</ref>  Athletes competing in 7-a-side football are broken down into classes 5, 6, 7 and 8. All classes comprise ambulant athletes; class 5 being the least physically able, progressing through to class 8 who are minimally affected. Teams must include at least one athlete from either class 5 or 6.  Furthermore, no more than three players from class 8 are allowed to play at the same time. Other than the fact that the game is played with seven players the rest of the rules and dimensions of the playing field are the same as able-bodied football.<ref>{{cite web |title=Football |publisher=Australian Paralympic Committee |url=http://www.paralympic.org.au/Sport/SportProfiles/Football.aspx |access-date=2010-04-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323172403/http://www.paralympic.org.au/Sport/SportProfiles/Football.aspx |archive-date=March 23, 2010 }}</ref>

[[File:Goalball vid Paralympics i Aten.jpg|thumb|right|The Swedish goalball team at the [[2004 Summer Paralympics]]]]

=== [[Goalball at the Summer Paralympics|Goalball]] ===
Goalball is open to visually impaired athletes who must wear "black out" masks to ensure all participants can compete equally, thereby eliminating the need for classification. The ball has a bell in it to help the players react to the ball.  Complete silence at the venue is required so that the athletes can orient themselves and to ensure fairness.<ref>{{cite web|title=Goalball|publisher=International Paralympic Committee|url=http://www.paralympic.org/Sport/IOSD_Sports/Goalball/index.html|access-date=2010-04-08}}</ref>

=== [[Judo at the Summer Paralympics|Judo]] ===
Judo is open to visually impaired athletes. The rules are the same as able-bodied judo except that the players are allowed contact with their opponent prior to the start of the match. There are no classifications; participants are divided into weight categories in the same way as able-bodied judo athletes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Judo|publisher=International Paralympic Committee|url=http://www.paralympic.org/Sport/IOSD_Sports/Judo/index.html|access-date=2010-04-08}}</ref>

=== [[Powerlifting at the Summer Paralympics|Powerlifting]] ===
Powerlifting is open to athletes with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, amputations (lower limb only), and ''Les Autres''. Since the competition is a test of upper body strength the classifications are by weight category as in able-bodied powerlifting competition.<ref>{{cite web |title=Powerlifting |publisher=Australian Paralympic Committee |url=http://www.paralympic.org.au/Sport/SportProfiles/Powerlifting.aspx |access-date=2010-04-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090912230239/http://www.paralympic.org.au/Sport/SportProfiles/Powerlifting.aspx |archive-date=September 12, 2009 }}</ref>

=== [[Sailing at the Summer Paralympics|Sailing]] ===
Sailing is open to amputee, cerebral palsy, visually impaired, spinal cord injured and ''Les Autres'' athletes. There are three events, one for single, double, and triple-crew boats. Classification for sailing in the three-person event is based on a functional points system with low points for severely disabled athletes rising by scale to high points for less disabled athletes. A classification committee evaluates each sailor and assign a point from one to seven based on their level of ability. Each crew of three is allowed a maximum of 14 points. The single-person event can be crewed regardless of points, but the sailor must have at least a minimum level of disability which prevents them from competing on equal terms with able-bodied sailors. The two-person event is designed for more severely disabled athletes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sailing |publisher=Australian Paralympic Committee |url=http://www.paralympic.org.au/Sport/SportProfiles/Sailing.aspx |access-date=2010-04-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323172408/http://www.paralympic.org.au/Sport/SportProfiles/Sailing.aspx |archive-date=March 23, 2010 }}</ref>

=== [[Shooting at the Summer Paralympics|Shooting]] ===
Shooting is open to athletes with a physical disability. There are only two classes of competition, wheelchair and standing. There are two types of events, pistol and rifle. The athletes are broken down into classes based on their upper body functionality, balance, muscle strength and limb mobility. The three classes are SH1-competitors do not require a shooting stand, SH2-competitors cannot support the weight of the gun and require a shooting stand, and SH3-Rifle competitors with a visual impairment.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shooting |publisher=Australian Paralympic Committee |url=http://www.paralympic.org.au/Sport/SportProfiles/Shooting.aspx |access-date=2010-04-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323171902/http://www.paralympic.org.au/Sport/SportProfiles/Shooting.aspx |archive-date=March 23, 2010 }}</ref>

[[File:Swimming at the 2008 Summer Paralympics - women Butterfly stroke.jpg|thumb|right|A Paralympian in the women's butterfly at the 2008 Summer Paralympics]]

=== [[Swimming at the Summer Paralympics|Swimming]] ===
The Paralympic swimming competition features all four of the strokes used in able-bodied swimming competitions. Classification is divided into three groups: S1 to S10 are those with physical impairment. S1 will have the most severe impairment and an S10 a lesser impairment. Athletes are judged on their muscle strength, joint range of motion, limb length and movement co-ordination. S11 to S13 are those with a visual impairment. S11 will have little or no vision, S12 can recognise the shape of a hand and have some ability to see, S13 greater vision than the other two classes but less than 20 degrees of vision. S14 is for athletes with a learning difficulty.<ref>{{cite web |title=Swimming |publisher=Australian Paralympic Committee |url=http://www.paralympic.org.au/Sport/SportProfiles/Swimming.aspx |access-date=2010-04-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323172424/http://www.paralympic.org.au/Sport/SportProfiles/Swimming.aspx |archive-date=March 23, 2010 }}</ref>

=== [[Table tennis at the Summer Paralympics|Table Tennis]] ===
Table tennis is open to athletes with a physical disability. There are individual, doubles, and team events. A match is 5 sets of 11 points each. The athletes are broken down into ten divisions based on their level of function. Classes 1 to 5 are for athletes competing from a wheelchair with class 1 being the most severely disabled and class 5 the least disabled. Classes 6 to 10 encompass ambulant athletes with class 6 the most severely disabled and class 10 the least.<ref>{{cite web |title=Table Tennis |publisher=Australian Paralympic Committee |url=http://www.paralympic.org.au/Sport/SportProfiles/TableTennis.aspx |access-date=2010-04-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323171907/http://www.paralympic.org.au/Sport/SportProfiles/TableTennis.aspx |archive-date=March 23, 2010 }}</ref>

=== [[Wheelchair tennis at the Summer Paralympics|Tennis]] ===
Tennis at the Paralympics is played with all the same rules as able-bodied tennis with the exception that the ball is allowed to bounce twice, and the first bounce must be within the bounds of the court. It is open to athletes with a mobility related disability which means that they cannot compete on equal terms with able-bodied tennis players. The game is played from a wheelchair, with two classes, paraplegic (at least one leg must have a permanent and substantial loss of function) and quadriplegic (at least three limbs must have a permanent and substantial loss of function).<ref>{{cite web|title=Wheelchair Tennis|publisher=International Paralympic Committee|url=http://www.paralympic.org/Sport/IF_Sports/Wheelchair_Tennis/|access-date=2010-04-08}}</ref>

=== [[Volleyball at the Summer Paralympics|Volleyball]] ===
Volleyball is open to athletes with a physical disability and is performed from a seated position. In sitting volleyball, the court is smaller than the standard court and has a lower net. In the sitting games the only classification rule is that each team may have only one player who fits the minimum disability rule, which is that their disability prevents them from competing on equal terms with able-bodied athletes. The other players on the team must demonstrate a higher level of disability.<ref>{{cite web |title=Volleyball |publisher=Australian Paralympic Committee |url=http://www.paralympic.org.au/Sport/SportProfiles/Volleyball.aspx |access-date=2010-04-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323172430/http://www.paralympic.org.au/Sport/SportProfiles/Volleyball.aspx |archive-date=March 23, 2010 }}</ref>

=== [[Wheelchair rugby at the Summer Paralympics|Wheelchair rugby]] ===
Athletes are classified on a points system similar to wheelchair basketball, with the most severely disabled athlete being graded at 0.5 points rising to 3.5 points. Each team has four players and is allowed a maximum of eight points on the court at any one time.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wheelchair Rugby|publisher=International Paralympic Committee|url=http://www.paralympic.org/Sport/IF_Sports/Wheelchair_Rugby/index.html|access-date=2010-04-08}}</ref>

== All-time medal table ==
{{See also|All-time Paralympic Games medal table}}
The table below uses official data provided by the [[International Paralympic Committee]].

{{legend|#ccf|'''Defunct nation'''}}''<small>status after the 2024 Summer Paralympics</small>''
===Summer Paralympics (1960–2024)===
{{Medals table
 | caption        = 
 | host           =
 | remaining_text = 
 | show_limit = 
 | team           = {{Tooltip|NOC|National Paralympic Committee}}
 | flag_template  = flagIPCteam
 | event          = 
 | gold_USA = 844 | silver_USA = 778 | bronze_USA = 766
 | gold_GBR = 718 | silver_GBR = 669 | bronze_GBR = 661
 | gold_CHN = 629 | silver_CHN = 476 | bronze_CHN = 352
 | gold_CAN = 410 | silver_CAN = 347 | bronze_CAN = 356
 | gold_AUS = 407 | silver_AUS = 439 | bronze_AUS = 422
 | gold_FRA = 376 | silver_FRA = 390 | bronze_FRA = 401
 | gold_FRG = 322 | silver_FRG = 260 | bronze_FRG = 246 | host_FRG = yes
 | gold_NED = 328 | silver_NED = 279 | bronze_NED = 257
 | gold_POL = 277 | silver_POL = 271 | bronze_POL = 228
 | gold_SWE = 235 | silver_SWE = 234 | bronze_SWE = 180
 | gold_ESP = 224 | silver_ESP = 247 | bronze_ESP = 256
 | gold_GER = 209 | silver_GER = 270 | bronze_GER = 278
 | gold_ITA = 191 | silver_ITA = 217 | bronze_ITA = 262
 | gold_UKR = 171 | silver_UKR = 190 | bronze_UKR = 193
 | gold_JPN = 141 | silver_JPN = 150 | bronze_JPN = 177
 | gold_BRA = 135 | silver_BRA = 161 | bronze_BRA = 172
| gold_KOR = 134 | silver_KOR = 126 | bronze_KOR = 135
 | gold_ISR = 133 | silver_ISR = 127 | bronze_ISR = 134
 | gold_RSA = 123 | silver_RSA = 95  | bronze_RSA = 92
 | gold_NOR = 117 | silver_NOR = 108 | bronze_NOR = 99
}}

==List of Paralympic sports==
{{Main|Paralympic sports}}
A number of different sports have been part of the Paralympic program at one point or another.

<div class="center">
{{legend inline|white|Current sport}}&nbsp;&nbsp;
{{legend inline|#EBE7E7|No longer included}}
</div>
{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="margin:1em auto;"
|valign="top"|
{| class=wikitable
! Sport || Years
|-
| [[Archery at the Summer Paralympics|Archery]] || all
|-
| [[Athletics at the Summer Paralympics|Athletics]] || all
|-
| [[Badminton at the Summer Paralympics|Badminton]] || since 2020
|- style="background:#EBE7E7;"
| [[Basketball ID at the Summer Paralympics|Basketball ID]] || 2000
|-
| [[Boccia at the Summer Paralympics|Boccia]] || since 1984
|-
| [[Cycling at the Summer Paralympics|Cycling]] || since 1988
|-
| [[Paracanoe at the Summer Paralympics|Paracanoe]] || since 2016
|- style="background:#EBE7E7;"
| [[Dartchery at the Summer Paralympics|Dartchery]] || 1960–1980
|-
| [[Equestrian at the Summer Paralympics|Equestrian]] || since 1996
|-
| [[Football 5-a-side at the Summer Paralympics|Football 5-a-side]] || since 2004
|- style="background:#EBE7E7;"
| [[Football 7-a-side at the Summer Paralympics|Football 7-a-side]] || 1984–2016
|-
| [[Goalball at the Summer Paralympics|Goalball]] || since 1976
|-
| [[Judo at the Summer Paralympics|Judo]] || since 1988
|- style="background:#EBE7E7;"
| [[Lawn bowls at the Summer Paralympics|Lawn bowls]] || 1968–1988, 1996
|-
| [[Paraclimbing at the Summer Paralympics|Paraclimbing]] || ''2028''
|-
| [[Paratriathlon at the Summer Paralympics|Paratriathlon]] || since 2016
|}
|valign="top"|
{| class=wikitable
! Sport || Years
|-
| [[Powerlifting at the Summer Paralympics|Powerlifting]] || since 1984
|-
| [[Rowing at the Summer Paralympics|Rowing]] || since 2008
|- style="background:#EBE7E7;"
| [[Sailing at the Summer Paralympics|Sailing]] || 1996, 2000–2016
|-
| [[Shooting at the Summer Paralympics|Shooting]] || since 1976
|- style="background:#EBE7E7;"
| [[Snooker at the Summer Paralympics|Snooker]] || 1960–1976, 1984–1988
|-
| [[Swimming at the Summer Paralympics|Swimming]] || all
|-
| [[Taekwondo at the Summer Paralympics|Taekwondo]] || since 2020
|-
| [[Table tennis at the Summer Paralympics|Table tennis]] || all
|-
| [[Volleyball at the Summer Paralympics|Volleyball]] || since 1976
|- style="background:#EBE7E7;"
| [[Weightlifting at the Summer Paralympics|Weightlifting]] || 1964–1992
|-
| [[Wheelchair basketball at the Summer Paralympics|Wheelchair basketball]] || all
|-
| [[Wheelchair fencing at the Summer Paralympics|Wheelchair fencing]] || all
|-
| [[Wheelchair rugby at the Summer Paralympics|Wheelchair rugby]] || 1996, since 2000
|-
| [[Wheelchair tennis at the Summer Paralympics|Wheelchair tennis]] || 1988, since 1992
|- style="background:#EBE7E7;"
| [[Wrestling at the Summer Paralympics|Wrestling]] || 1980–1984
|}
|}

==List of Summer Paralympic Games==
{{location map+|Earth
|width=800
|float=center
|caption=Non-European host cities of Summer Paralympic Games
|places=
{{Location map~|Earth|position=right|lat=35.712441|long=139.731992|label='''[[Tokyo|1964, 2020]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Earth|position=right|lat=32.088025|long=34.781768|label='''[[Tel Aviv|1968]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Earth|position=|lat=43.657457|long=-79.383184|label='''[[Toronto|1976]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Earth|position=|lat=40.714995|long=-74.005941|label='''[[New York City|1984]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Earth|position=right|lat=37.568828|long=126.977969|label='''[[Seoul|1988]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Earth|position=|lat=33.751453|long=-84.387982|label='''[[Atlanta|1996]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Earth|position=|lat=-33.866369|long=151.209296|label='''[[Sydney|2000]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Earth|position=|lat=-27.470125|long=153.021072|label='''[[Brisbane|''2032'']]'''}}
{{Location map~|Earth|position=|lat=39.905445|long=116.407396|label='''[[Beijing|2008]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Earth|position=|lat=-22.917274|long=-43.185385|label='''[[Rio de Janeiro|2016]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Earth|position=|lat=34.057071|long=-118.243685|label='''[[Los Angeles|''2028'']]'''}}
}}

{{location map+|Europe
|width=800
|float=center
|caption=European host cities of Summer Paralympic Games
|places=
{{Location map~|Europe|lat=41.904951|long=12.496366|label='''[[Rome|1960]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Europe|lat=49.400830|long=8.672433|label='''[[Heidelberg|1972]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Europe|position=right|lat=51.986912|long=5.898730|label='''[[Arnhem|1980]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Europe|position=left|lat=51.7861|long=-0.7914|label='''[[Stoke Mandeville|1984]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Europe|lat=41.387265|long=2.173403|label='''[[Barcelona|1992]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Europe|lat=40.419009|long=-3.703790|label='''[[Madrid|1992]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Europe|lat=37.966667|long=23.716667|label='''[[Athens|2004]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Europe|position=right|lat=51.509165|long=0.127758|label='''[[London|2012]]'''}}
{{Location map~|Europe|position=left|lat=48.857661|long=2.352222|label='''[[Paris|2024]]'''}}
}}
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center; font-size:90%;"
|- 
!rowspan=2 style="background:#ce2029; color:white;" | Games
!rowspan=2 style="background:#ce2029; color:white;" | Year
!rowspan=2 style="background:#ce2029; color:white;" | Host
!rowspan=2 style="background:#ce2029; color:white;" | Opened by
!rowspan=2 style="background:#ce2029; color:white;" | Dates
!rowspan=2 style="background:#ce2029; color:white;" | Nations
!colspan=3 style="background:#ce2029; color:white;" | Competitors
!rowspan=2 style="background:#ce2029; color:white;" | Sports
!rowspan=2 style="background:#ce2029; color:white;" | Events
!rowspan=2 style="background:#ce2029; color:white;" | Top Nation
|-
! style="background:#ce2029; color:white;" | Total
! style="background:#ce2029; color:white;" | Men
! style="background:#ce2029; color:white;" | Women
|-
|align=center| [[1960 Summer Paralympics|1]]
|align=center| 1960
|align=left| {{flagicon|Italy}} [[Rome]], [[Italy]]
|align=left|[[Camillo Giardina]]
|align=center| 18–25 September 1960
| 23 || 400 ||  || || 8 || 57
|{{flagIPCteam|ITA}}
|-
|align=center| [[1964 Summer Paralympics|2]]
|align=center| 1964
|align=left| {{flagicon|Japan|1870}} [[Tokyo]], [[Japan]]
|align=left|[[Akihito|Crown Prince Akihito]]
|align=center| 3–12 November 1964
| 21 || 375 || 307 || 68 || 9 || 144
|{{flagIPCteam|USA}}
|-
|align=center| [[1968 Summer Paralympics|3]]
|align=center| 1968
|align=left| {{flagicon|Israel}} [[Tel Aviv]], [[Israel]]
|align=left|[[Yigal Allon]]
|align=center| 4–13 November 1968
| 29 || 750 || || || rowspan=2|10 || 181
|{{flagIPCteam|USA}}
|-
|align=center| [[1972 Summer Paralympics|4]]
|align=center| 1972
|align=left| {{flagicon|West Germany}} [[Heidelberg]], [[West Germany]]
|align=left|[[Gustav Heinemann|President Gustav Heinemann]]
|align=center| 2–11 August 1972
| 41 || 1,004 || || || 187
|{{flagIPCteam|FRG}}
|-
|align=center| [[1976 Summer Paralympics|5]]
|align=center| 1976
|align=left| {{flagicon|Canada}} [[Toronto]], [[Canada]]
|align=left|[[Lieutenant Governor of Ontario|Lieutenant Governor]] [[Pauline McGibbon|Pauline Mills McGibbon]]
|align=center| 3–11 August 1976
| 32 || 1,657 || 1,404 || 253 || 13 || 447
|{{flagIPCteam|USA}}
|-
|align=center| [[1980 Summer Paralympics|6]]
|align=center| 1980
|align=left| {{flagicon|Netherlands}} [[Arnhem]], [[Netherlands]]
|align=left|[[Princess Margriet of the Netherlands|Princess Margriet]]
|align=center| 21–30 June 1980
| 42 || 1,973 || || || 12 || 489
|{{flagIPCteam|USA}}
|-
|rowspan=2 align=center| [[1984 Summer Paralympics|7]]
|rowspan=2 align=center| 1984
|align=left| {{flagicon|United States}} [[New York City]], [[United States]]
|align=left|[[Ronald Reagan|President Ronald Reagan]] 
|align=center| 17–30 June 1984
| 45 || 1,800 || || || 15 || 300
|{{flagIPCteam|USA}}
|-
|align=left| {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} [[Stoke Mandeville]], [[United Kingdom]]
|align=left|[[Charles, Prince of Wales]] 
|align=center| 22 July – 1 August 1984
| 41 || 1,100 || || || 10 || 603
|{{flagIPCteam|GBR}}
|-
|align=center| [[1988 Summer Paralympics|8]]
|align=center| 1988
|align=left| {{flagicon|South Korea|1984}} [[Seoul]], [[South Korea]]
|align=left|[[Roh Tae-woo|President Roh Tae-woo]]
|align=center| 15–24 October 1988
| 61 || 3,057 || || || 17 || '''732'''
|{{flagIPCteam|USA}}
|-
|rowspan=2 align=center| [[1992 Summer Paralympics|9]]
|rowspan=2 align=center| 1992
|align=left| {{flagicon|Spain}} [[Barcelona]], [[Spain]]
|rowspan=2 align=left|[[Queen Sofía of Spain]]
|align=center| 3–14 September 1992
| 82 || 3,020 || || 
|rowspan=2| 20 
|rowspan=2| 555
|rowspan=2|{{flagIPCteam|USA}}
|-
|align=left| {{flagicon|Spain}} [[Madrid]], [[Spain]]
|align=center| 15–22 September 1992
| 75 || 1,600 || || 
|-
|align=center| [[1996 Summer Paralympics|10]]
|align=center| 1996
|align=left| {{flagicon|United States}} [[Atlanta]], [[United States]]
|align=left|[[Al Gore|Vice President Al Gore]]
|align=center| 16–25 August 1996
| 104 || 3,259 || 2,469 || 790 || 17 || 508
|{{flagIPCteam|USA}}
|-
|align=center| [[2000 Summer Paralympics|11]]
|align=center| 2000
|align=left| {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Sydney]], [[Australia]]
|align=left|[[Sir William Deane|Governor-General Sir William Deane]]
|align=center| 18–29 October 2000
| 121 || 3,881 || 2,891 || 990 || rowspan=3|19 || 551
|{{flagIPCteam|AUS}}
|-
|align=center| [[2004 Summer Paralympics|12]]
|align=center| 2004
|align=left| {{flagicon|Greece}} [[Athens]], [[Greece]]
|align=left| [[Konstantinos Stephanopoulos|President Konstantinos Stephanopoulos]]
|align=center| 17–28 September 2004
| 136 || 3,806 || 2,646 || 1,160 || 518
|{{flagIPCteam|CHN}}
|-
|align=center| [[2008 Summer Paralympics|13]]
|align=center| 2008
|align=left| {{flagicon|China}} [[Beijing]], [[China]]
|align=left| [[Hu Jintao|President Hu Jintao]]
|align=center| 6–17 September 2008
| 146 || 3,951 || || || 472
|{{flagIPCteam|CHN}}
|-
|align=center| [[2012 Summer Paralympics|14]]
|align=center| 2012
|align=left| {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} [[London]], [[United Kingdom]]
|align=left| [[Elizabeth II|Queen Elizabeth II]]
|align=center| 29 August – 9 September 2012
| 164 || 4,302 || || || 20 || 503
|{{flagIPCteam|CHN}}
|-
|align=center| [[2016 Summer Paralympics|15]]
|align=center| 2016
|align=left| {{flagicon|Brazil}} [[Rio de Janeiro]], [[Brazil]]
|align=left| [[Michel Temer|President Michel Temer]]
|align=center| 7–18 September 2016
| 159 || 4,342 || || || rowspan=3|22 || 528
|{{flagIPCteam|CHN}}
|-
|align=center| [[2020 Summer Paralympics|16]]
|align=center| 2020
|align=left| {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Tokyo]], [[Japan]]
|align=left| [[Naruhito|Emperor Naruhito]]
|align=center| 24 August – 5 September 2021{{ref label|reference_name_A|a|a}}
|  163  || '''4,520''' || || || 539
|{{flagIPCteam|CHN}}
|-
|align=center| [[2024 Summer Paralympics|17]] 
|align=center|  2024 
|align=left| {{flagicon|France}} [[Paris]], [[France]]
|align=left| [[Emmanuel Macron|President Emmanuel Macron]]
|align=center|  28 August – 8 September 2024 
| '''170''' || 4,463  || || || 549 
| align="center" |{{flagIPCteam|CHN}}
|-
|align=center|''[[2028 Summer Paralympics|18]]''
|align=center| ''2028''
|align=left| {{flagicon|USA}} ''[[Los Angeles]], [[United States]]''
|align=left| 
|align=center| ''15–27 August 2028''
|colspan=4 align=center|''Future event'' || '''''23''''' || ''560'' ||align=center|''Future event'' 
|-
|align=center|''[[2032 Summer Paralympics|19]]''
|align=center| ''2032''
|align=left|{{flagicon|Australia}} ''[[Brisbane]], [[Australia]]''
|align=left|
|align=center| ''24 August – 5 September 2032''
|colspan=7 align=center|''Future event''
|-
|align=center|''[[2036 Summer Paralympics|20]]''
|align=center| ''2036''
|align=left|
|align=left|
|align=center| ''TBA''
|colspan=7 align=center|''Future event''
|}
{{center|{{small|''[[Italics]]'' indicates future events}}}}

<small>{{note label|reference_name_A|a|a}}Postponed to 24 August to 5 September 2021,<ref>{{cite news|date=30 March 2020|title=Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics: New dates confirmed for 2021|work=[[BBC Sport]]|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/olympics/52091224|access-date=30 March 2020}}</ref> due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], marking the first time that the Paralympic Games had been postponed. They are still called the 2020 Summer Paralympics, even with the change in scheduling to one year later.<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 March 2020|title=Joint Statement from the International Olympic Committee and the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee - Olympic News|url=https://www.olympic.org/news/joint-statement-from-the-international-olympic-committee-and-the-tokyo-2020-organising-committee|access-date=24 March 2020|website=International Olympic Committee|language=en}}</ref></small>

==See also==
* [[All-time Paralympic Games medal table|All-time Paralympic Games medal count]]
* [[Cheating at the Paralympic Games]]
* [[Winter Paralympic Games]]
* [[Multi-sport event]]
* [[Summer Olympic Games]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.paralympic.org Official Site of the Paralympic Movement]

{{Paralympic Games}}
{{Nations at the Paralympics}}
{{Paralympic Summer Games Host Cities}}
{{Multi-sport events}}

[[Category:Summer Paralympic Games| ]]
[[Category:Paralympic Games|*]]
[[Category:Recurring sporting events established in 1960]]
[[Category:Quadrennial sporting events]]
[[Category:Summer multi-sport events|Para]]