Wheelchair Track & Field

Published: May 12, 2014

At Precision Repair Network, we are big proponents of staying fit and active, whether you are confined to a wheelchair or not. If you have questions about how to stay fit, worry not! There are a number of different sporting events and activities that wheelchair-bound individuals can take part in, from wheelchair basketball to wheelchair tennis – most of the major sports are represented in fact.

One wheelchair sport that many people find to be great fun (and a great source of exercise) is wheelchair track and field. Made up of many separate events, wheelchair track and field is a sport that has a little something for everyone, regardless of where your athletic interests may lie.

The History of Wheelchair Track & Field

Wheelchair track and field, like able-bodied track and field, is a competition made up of many different sports, from sprint and endurance racing to javelin and other field events. Some of these sports, such as wheelchair racing, were founded as far back as the 1940s; others have been founded more recently. Because the sport encompasses so many individual competitions, you will find it represented by a host of different governing bodies. Among the organizations that oversee wheelchair track and field events in the United States and internationally include:

• Wheelchair & Ambulatory Sports, USA
• Wheelchair Sports Federation
• American Association of Adapted Sports Programs
• Paralympics

If you are interested in competing at a professional or organized level, these governing bodies can provide you with additional information on how to become involved. Perhaps best of all, they can answer any questions you may have about entering events, how to find leagues or teams in your area, equipment requirements, and more.

Wheelchair Track & Field – The Events

When it comes to wheelchair track and field events, there is a multitude to choose from. In fact, you may find an event that suits your needs and interests even if you don't typically participate in sports and activities. The shot put competition, for example, is more a test of technique and strength than it is stamina or mobility. Get involved with wheelchair track and field today – choose from one or more of the following events:

• Sprint Races – 100m, 200m and 400m
• Middle Distance Races – 800m, 1,500m
• Long Distance Races – 5,000m (5K), 10,000m (10K)
• Relay Races – 4x100m, 4x400m
• Road Races – marathon and half-marathon
• Throwing Events – Discus, shot put and javelin
• Combined Events – Pentathlon

Track and field provides a sporting event for every type of athlete – the sprinter, the strength trainer and the long-distance champion. And participating in these events is in many ways much easier than comparable wheelchair sports, as they utilize the same venues and fields as traditional track and field events do – this means your local competition may be as near as the local high school campus. Join an event near you today!