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The first Paralympic Games were held in 1960 in Rome, and 400 athletes from 23 countries took part in them. This year’s Games will host over 4,000 athletes from 127 countries. The Paralympic Games, featuring18 different sports, will be held from 18. to 29. October 2000.

PARALYMPIC GAMES 

The development of sports for the disabled led to international gathering, which later evolved into international championships. When the proposal was put forth that the disabled should participate in the Olympic Games, the International Olympic Committee adopted the proporsal, and in 1960 the first World Games for the Disabled were held in Rome (the event was later renamed Paralympic Games).

* In 1984, the Paralympic Games were organised at two venues

** The Sydney Paralympics Organising Committee (SPOC) provided the data for Sydney

Slovenian disabled athletes first participated in the IV. Paralympic Games in Heidelberg in 1972. From then onwards they were part of the Yugoslav team, and since 1992 they have represented Slovenia in all international championships.

At the Paralympic Games as well as at World and European championships, World Games for the Deaf and World Games of Special Olympics Slovenian athletes can be counted on to win medals. Some of the most successful disabled athletes are Sabina Hmelina, Lojzka Meglič and Samo Petrač (deaf skiers), Franjo Izlakar (athletics), Franc Šimunič (table tennis), Danijel Pavlinec (swimming), Draga Lapornik (athletics), Marjan Peternelj (athletics); team sports: goalball, basketball for the deaf, women’s sitting volleyball.

Our world record holders are: Marjan Peternelj (javelin), Franjo Izlakar (shot put), Ernest Jazbinšek (air pistol), Danijel Pavlinec (swimming).

Copyright (c) 2000 - Edo Bogataj