Blog #7 - Inclusivity in Sports

Sofia Torrie

Dr. Sowers

GSS-2117-001 Disability and Sports

23 March 2026




    In my opinion, no, I do not think that all athletes with any type of disability should be allowed to be classified for every sport. I say this because I believe that due to different disabilities among the athletes, some may be at more of a disadvantage than others. I do believe that inclusivity is very important when it comes to sports and individuals with disabilities, but unfortunately, there are some individuals who have disabilities but may be able to perform better than others which would create an unfair advantage for anyone if they were able to be classified for every sport.  If anyone with a disability were allowed to be classified for every sport, that creates a wide range of people who would be able to participate, and the competition would be disordered. I believe that honoring the fairness in these competitions is more important because it gives all of the athletes an opportunity to perform to their fullest potential. Understanding Classification in Para Sports. 




    Within the Paralympics, fairness and inclusivity are two of the most important attributes that they portray. Of course, inclusivity is one of their most important features because the Paralympics was created to give disabled individuals the opportunity to compete in the highest level of sporting events. When it comes to the debate of whether or not they should allow everyone with any type of disability, it turns into a grey area for me because I do believe that everyone should be able to compete, but it becomes hard when it comes down to the fairness of the games. I believe that they should allow anyone with any type of disability compete, but I think that if they were to do that, they would have to split up the groups of people based on their skill set and what they are able to do because competing in a competition with someone that has a different type of disability, (for example: a wheelchair race and someone who is able to use their legs), should not be able to compete against each other. World Para Athletics Classification. 




    I believe that to create a fair playing field with so many different disabilities is to separate the athletes into groups based on their abilities within the sport they are competing in. The athletes should be competing against other athletes who may be at the same level of a disadvantage to the sport because it will keep their skill sets fair, and they will be competing fairly with others. Due to different sports having different types of skill sets, I think that trials should be done before the games begin because it can help the judges and coaches put the athletes into the correct competition groups so they are all competing at a fair level based on their disabilities.



Resources:

Understanding Classification in Para Sports | CAF Resource Guide, www.challengedathletes.org/articles/classification-para-sports/. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.

“World Para Athletics Classification & Categories.” International Paralympic Committee, www.paralympic.org/athletics/classification#:~:text=WHAT%20IS%20CLASSIFICATION?,Regulations%20(link%20provided%20below). Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.


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