(Winter Sport)

The competition is open to athletes with a physical disability and blindness/visual impairment. Male and female athletes compete in a short distance sprint and middle distance race using classical or free techniques. Cross Country Skiing is governed by Cross Country Ontario following modified rules of the International Ski Federation (FIS). Depending on functional disability, a competitor may use some modified equipment. An athlete with a lower-body disability uses a sledge, which is a specially built chair that can be attached to a pair of skis. The skis are almost identical to standard skis, although shorter, and are attached to the chair with a standard cross-country binding.A visually impaired athlete competes in the event with a sighted guide that uses their voice or a radio device to guide the athlete through the course. For more information visit www.xco.org.