More Similar than Different: The Psychological Environment of Paralympic Sport

Abstract

As the opportunities for sport participation have increased for individuals with disabilities so has the level of competition. Athletes with disabilities now routinely compete at the national and international level with participation at the Paralympic Games as the crowning opportunity. Unfortunately, in the sport context, the concept of disability is often seen as a cue for different or special needs. However, for top level athletes competing with disabilities, research indicates their needs and experiences are more similar to able bodied elite athletes than different. This paper explores the current understanding of the similarities and uniqueness of the Paralympic athlete.