ABSTRACT
This chapter explores that the division between disabled and non-disabled sport is predominantly based upon concerns of safety and competitive advantage. Paralympic sports rely heavily on new technological developments such as prosthetic limbs and racing wheelchairs. The Paralympic Games, which is an abbreviation for the parallel Olympics, is an elite event designed for those with physical impairments. The Special Olympics is designed for athletes with intellectual disabilities and the Deaf Olympics includes athletes with hearing impairments, both focused on social inclusion and participation. Although media coverage and investment in disability sport has increased and influenced change, the division continues to exist. Age categories in sport are imposed to balance physical and intellectual ability between athletes for the protection of safety and competitive advantage and to maintain uniformity of standards. Finally, the chapter presents case studies of Oscar Pistorius, International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and Casey Martin.
