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10 | THE REVIEW JAN–APR 2024 Strong representation from Para athletes with Cerebral Palsy There’s plenty of talent among athletes who are training for the Paris 2024 Paralympics. By Paralympics New Zealand Paralympians with Cerebral Palsy have represented Aotearoa New Zealand with pride in several different sports, including Para swimming, Para athletics, and Boccia. Current world champion Paralympic shot putter Lisa Adams is a famous example. Have you considered taking part in a Para sport? Many Para sports have participation opportunities all around Aotearoa New Zealand. Whether it’s for fun or you’re a fierce competitor, get inspired by Kiwi Paralympians and check out the sports featured here. Cerebral Palsy and the Paralympic Games Cerebral Palsy is a common condition among Paralympians. The Paralympic Games began in 1960 for paraplegic war veterans, and athletes with Cerebral Palsy were first allowed to compete in the Arnhem 1980 Paralympic Games in the Netherlands. The first Cerebral Palsy- only sports of CP football and Boccia were added at the 1984 Paralympics. The impairments caused by Cerebral Palsy, hypertonia, ataxia and athetosis, can make an athlete eligible to compete in 25 of the 28 Para sports currently contested at winter and summer Paralympic Games (the other three sports are exclusively for visually impaired athletes). Different sports have different eligibility criteria – register with Paralympics New Zealand to find out which Para sports could be for you. Will athletes with Cerebral Palsy be at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games? The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games take place in August and September, two weeks