1988 Summer Paralympics

Participants and classifications

Competitors at the 1988 Games included people with spinal cord injuries, limb amputations, visual impairment (blindness), cerebral palsy and a mixed category known as "Les Autres" for other physical disabilities. Classifications were used to group athletes by type and severity of impairment to promote fair competition; information about specific conditions such as cerebral palsy can be explored further at related resources.

Sports and events

A wide programme covered athletics, swimming, wheelchair basketball and other team events, as well as individual sports like archery, shooting, table tennis and weightlifting. The range of disciplines reflected efforts to broaden participation and to accommodate athletes with varied functional abilities. Event schedules took place in several venues that had recently hosted the Summer Olympic Games.

The 1988 Paralympics are often noted for using many of the same sites and facilities as the Seoul Olympics, helping to raise public awareness and improve logistical support. The co-location helped set a precedent for future host cities to integrate planning for Olympic and Paralympic competitions more closely.

Legacy and significance: beyond medals and results, the Seoul Games contributed to increased media attention, international cooperation among disability sport organisations, and momentum toward standardised classification systems. They represent a milestone in the evolution from locally organised competitions to a more unified global Paralympic movement.