Athletics (Field)
Athletics - Field
Basics
Disability Field Athletics is made up of five events : Javelin, Discus, Shot, Club, and Pentathlon.
Athletes are classified according to their functional level and compete against athletes of the same classification. If there are insufficient athletes of the same classification for an event different classifications are combined into one event and a factoring system is used to determine results.
Athletes compete in the five wheelchair field disciplines using individually designed ‘throwing frames in order to maximise the athletes functional capabilities.
Who can participate?
Anyone with a classifiable physical impairment can take part in field athletics. They either stand or sit depending on their classification
F31 to F38 – Athletes with Cerebral Palsy
F41 to F46 – athletes who are amputees or have minimal impairment in their legs.
F51 – F58 – athletes with Spinal injuries/conditions
Where in the world?
Field athletics is popular around the world with scores of countries participating. At the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, Iran, China, Mexico, South Africa and Nigeria all won Gold Medals. Ahead of the London 2012 Games North African countries including Algeria and Tunisia are showing a rise in success in the sport. Great Britain’s athletes won a total of 38 medals at the recent IPC Athletics World Championships.
How to get started?
British Wheelchair Athletics Association is the member organisation for wheelchair athletics. Winter training camps are held monthly at Stoke Mandeville with structured sessions in technical coaching, biomechanics, strength and conditioning etc. where athletes of all levels are welcomed.From April to September there is a full competition Calendar including a Grand Prix Series. BWAA offers assistance to any local athletics club the athlete may wish to join. Athletes are encouraged to make full use of local facilities. for information on availability in your area contact -English Athletics
Further Information
British Wheelchair Athletics Association
