: Julia BedinghamContents• History• Classification systems• Exceptions• Paralympic and Olympic differences in swimming• Discrimination• Same rules apply• Conclusion• Bibliography• Plagiarism checkerIntroduction: Is there a difference between the Paralympic Games and the Olympic Games? There is much debate around the world about discrimination against Paralympic athletes. The main issue debated is that of media attention and coverage – whether the Paralympic Games receive sufficient coverage, compared to the Olympic Games which are sponsored and covered exhaustively by the global media. This report looks at the main differences between the Paralympics and the Olympic Games, particularly in the sport of swimming. (Oliver Brown 12)HistoryThe Olympic Games originated in Greece around 760 BC. They were created to highlight the different physical abilities of the participants. Different physical attributes were idealized, the Greeks believed that having these abilities was to honor Zeus (one of the Greek gods). When the games began, there was only one event to compete in, the 192 meter races. Gradually other events like show jumping and discus were added. (Anon., nd) The Olympics have grown and today, 205 countries can compete in 41 different events! (Anon., nd) Swimming was introduced to the Olympics in 1896. (Anon., 2007) The Para-Olympic Games began in 1948. They were started so that injured veterans could compete and thus improve the process healing their body. injuries. The word “para” means “next to” in Greek, which shows that the Paralympics are taking place alongside the Olympics. The Paralympics (for physical disabilities) should however not be confused with the Special Olympics (mental disorders o...... middle of article ......mming_classification[Accessed 3 4 2014]. http://www.ncpad.org/contentimages/708.jpg, and www.ncpad.org [Art]. Layman's guide to Paralympic classification [Online] Available at: http://www. paralympic.org/sites/default. /files/document/120716152047682_classificationguide_2.pdf [Accessed April 4, 2014]. ?nav_id=83, sd Television coverage of the 2012 Paralympic Games [Art] (systems for center change), sportnetwork, 2014. classification guide [Art] (http://official.sportnetwork.net/main/ s385/st61881.htm). classification guide [Art] (http://official.sportnetwork.net/main/s385/st61881.htm).Oliver Brown.http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/ olympics/paralympic-sport/9524190. /Paralympics-2012-the-swimmer-James-OShea-fulfils-incredible-quest.html [Art]