Overview

Norway took part in the 2018 Winter Paralympics held in Pyeongchang, South Korea. The delegation included athletes across individual and team events who represented a mixture of veteran Paralympians and newcomers. Participation in Pyeongchang continued Norway's long involvement in winter disability sport and its efforts to support competitive opportunities for athletes with impairments.

Sports contested

The Norwegian team competed in multiple disciplines, each with distinct rules and classification systems that allow athletes with different physical or visual impairments to take part on fair terms.

  • Para-alpine skiing: speed and technical races such as downhill, super‑G, giant slalom and slalom. Competitors race individually and are grouped by standing, sitting and visually impaired classifications.
  • Para-Nordic skiing: comprises cross‑country and biathlon events. Athletes may use sit‑skis or compete standing, and visually impaired skiers race with sighted guides.
  • Para-snowboarding: events include banked slalom and snowboard cross with classification divisions to reflect lower‑limb impairments and balance differences.
  • Para ice hockey (sledge hockey): a fast, physical team sport played on sledges; teams combine tactical passing, speed and contact while players propel themselves with sticks.
  • Wheelchair curling: mixed‑gender teams deliver stones from stationary wheelchairs and employ strategic shot planning similar to able‑bodied curling.

Preparation and significance

Preparation for the Games included classification assessments, adapted equipment fitting and international competition as part of selection and readiness. For Norway, the Winter Paralympics are an important stage to develop athletes, test coaching methods and raise awareness of adaptive sport nationally.

Legacy and notable aspects

Beyond results, the 2018 participation highlighted how Paralympic sport adapts traditional winter disciplines through modified equipment, classification and team composition. Norway's presence reinforced the country's winter-sport culture while contributing to the Paralympic movement's visibility in Asia and worldwide.