ParaSport Ontario is responsible for the organization of the Summer and Winter Ontario ParaSport Games in conjunction with the Sport Alliance of Ontario. Four Multi-Sport Organizations and six Provincial Sport Organizations supervise and co-ordinate the individual sports wtihin the Ontario ParaSport Games as well as conducting Provincial Championships and other competitions throughout the year.

SUMMER SPORTS
Athletics
Boccia
Goalball
ParaEquestrian
Wheelchair Tennis

WINTER SPORTS
ParaAlpine
ParaNordic
Sledge Hockey
Swimming
Wheelchair Curling
Wheelchair Basketball
Wheelchair Rugby

Classification

Classification is simply a structure for competition. Not unlike wrestling, boxing and weightlifting, where athletes are categorized by weight classes, athletes with disabilities are grouped in classes defined by the degree of function presented by the disability.

Traditionally there are athletes who belong to six different disability groups in the Paralympic Movement: amputee, cerebral palsy, visual impairment, spinal cord injuries, intellectual disability and a group which includes all those that do not fit into the aforementioned groups (les autres).

Classes are determined by a variety of processes that may include a physical and technical assessment and observation in and out of competition. The classes are defined by each sport and form part of the sport rules.

Classification is an ongoing process. When an athlete starts competing, they are allocated a class that may be reviewed throughout the athlete's career. Sports certify individuals to conduct the process of classification and these officials are known as classifiers.

Since the 1960's, the development of sport for athletes with a disability has produced the development of classification systems; and this continues to evolve to the present day.

(courtesy IPC)