Enter the quadriplegics: 1972 in Heidelberg marked a sea change for the Games: the first events for quadriplegic athletes were introduced. Now quadriplegic athletes compete in some of the star attractions, such as wheelchair rugby. Demonstration
events for the visually impaired were also introduced, such as goalball, like handball but a non-contact sport, and played with a ball with a bell inside; and a 100m sprint event. Goalball is now a full Paralympic sport, and visually impaired athletes are a major component of the Games.
PA
