2018 Winter Paralympics
Overview
The 2018 Winter Paralympics, officially known as the XII Paralympic Winter Games, were an international multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities governed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). The games were held in Pyeongchang, South Korea, from 9 to 18 March 2018. This was the first time South Korea hosted the Winter Paralympics, and its second Paralympics overall, after the 1988 Summer Paralympics in Seoul.
Bidding Process
The bidding process for the 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics was officially launched on 15 July 2009 by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The winning bid was announced on 6 July 2011, where Pyeongchang was awarded the games after receiving the majority of votes from the 95 IOC members.
Preparation
The preparation for the 2018 Winter Paralympics involved numerous tasks, including the construction of new venues, improvements to existing facilities, the creation of a volunteer workforce, and the development of an extensive transport infrastructure. The Pyeongchang Olympic Stadium, a temporary venue for the opening and closing ceremonies, was completed in November 2017.
Sports
The 2018 Winter Paralympics featured 80 events across six sports. The sports included Alpine skiing, Biathlon, Cross-country skiing, Ice sledge hockey, Snowboarding, and Wheelchair curling. Each sport had different classifications based on the type and extent of an athlete's impairment.
Participating Nations
A total of 49 nations participated in the 2018 Winter Paralympics. This was an increase from the 45 nations that competed in the 2014 Winter Paralympics in Sochi, Russia. The countries ranged from established winter sports nations like Canada and Norway to countries with little or no snow like Australia and South Africa.
Medal Table
The medal table for the 2018 Winter Paralympics ranks the participating National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) by the number of gold medals won by their athletes. The country with the most gold medals was the United States, followed by the Neutral Paralympic Athletes (representing Russian athletes) and Canada.
Legacy
The 2018 Winter Paralympics left a significant legacy, both in South Korea and internationally. The games served to promote the rights and possibilities for people with disabilities, and they contributed to a more positive perception of disability in South Korea. The games also led to improvements in accessibility in the region, including upgrades to public transport and public buildings.