Wheelchair sports are something that is widely appreciated not just by the disabled community, but has also found appreciation within the Olympic sports committee and international sports associations. Wheelchair users have found that they can take part in sporting events without feeling restricted by their disability. However, like sports itself, sport wheelchairs have also developed making it easier for users to take part with little difficulties.



Sport wheelchairs are designed to be much more aerodynamic than standard wheelchairs, because they make taking part in any athletic sports easier, faster and simpler to manoeuvre. Further wacky designs of the sporting wheelchair have including better adaptability to mountain quad biking, a military tank chair, wheel chair skis and wheelchair jousting complete with cattle prods. Many of the latter items are not necessarily official sporting events; however they play a part in the radical world of extreme sports.

Many participants have found that the sports world have restricted their ability, hindering their potential to taking their fitness to the next level. With cleverly crafted equipment and advancement in technology it is possible for wheelchair users to enjoy the same activities as a normal thrill seeker without having to worry about moving the chair around and making fast turns or, catapulting oneself in the air for some daring stunts.

Historically wheelchair users did not have the opportunity as they do now in taking part in large sporting events. Those who were using wheelchairs were subjected to a restricted way of life. This included having very little scope for travelling to local areas, as there were little or no ramps to aid some assistance in taking a look around shops, public places etc. It was not until Dr Ludwig Guttman of Stoke Mandeville Hospital came up with the first every concept for the Paralympics.

This was initially set up for the British World War II veterans, who suffered from spinal cord injuries. The activities were held in London but did not gain international recognition until 1952 whereby Dutch participants also took part alongside the British veterans. These were not officially affiliated with the Olympics until 1960, when the first event took place in Rome. There were much excitement and anticipation as to the result of holding an event to this scale, however, with much preparation and plenty of setting up. The event was well received and subsequent events have followed on.

These included a rising popularity of extreme sports, some of which were daring enough to take on the mountain biking activities and skiing. These have become more than just a sport, but also an opportunity to socialise and mix with others of similar hobbies and interests. This means that as the popularity for taking part in these sports grow, so do funding and sponsorship opportunity making them one of the most highly regarded sports of our time.

Whilst extreme wheelchair sports is growing, so is the need for training the people partaking, opening up further opportunities for the disabled community and extending the activities to people with varying conditions.