ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Disabled sports

Disabled sports are games and activities that are specifically designed for people who have disabilities. Disability means that a person has a condition that makes things like moving, seeing, or hearing difficult. In sports, people with disabilities are put in categories based on their type of disability, like if they use a wheelchair or have limited vision.

Some sports activities that are adapted for people with disabilities include swimming, basketball, running, tennis, and snowboarding. They are modified to suit the needs of people with disabilities so that they can participate fully and have an equal opportunity to win.

For example, wheelchair basketball is played on a court like regular basketball, but players use wheelchairs instead of running. The basket is lower, and the court is smaller, to make the game easier for players to move around. In swimming, a blind person may have a tether to a sighted person or be guided by cue sounds to help them navigate the pool.

Disabled sports help people with disabilities stay healthy, active and competitive. It also provides opportunities for people with various disabilities to connect and make friends. Disabled sports have become increasingly popular, with various organizations and events dedicated to the sport.