Sports

Cycling - Track (Olympic Velodrome (VEL)) Cycling - Road (Vouliagmeni Olympic Centre (VOU))

The Cycling programme includes two disciplines: Road Cycling and Track Cycling. Road Cycling races take place on a public highway, while the Track Cycling races take place on a track, or in other words, a velodrome. Athletes with partial or total vision impairment, celebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, amputation or any other physical disability can participate in Cycling. The athletes are classified into categories based on their functional abilities together with the skills required for the sport. The athletes' bicycles are modified, whenever considered necessary, according to the athletes' needs. Track Cycling events will be held from 18-22 September 2004. Road Cycling events will be held from 24-27 September 2004.

Equestrian (Markopoulo Olympic Equestrian Centre (EQU))

It is one of the most impressive sports of the Paralympic Games. It also contributes to the rehabilitation and improvement of physical skills for people with a disability. Equestrian is a multi-disability sport. It is unique among Paralympic sports since men and women compete on the same terms and horse and rider are both declared Paralympic medal winners. During the Paralympic Games of Athens, Dressage is the only Equestrian discipline that is included in the competition schedule. Equestrian will be held between 21 and 26 September 2004.

Football 5-a-Side (Olympic Hockey Centre (HOC))

It is a very popular and spectacular sport for blind athletes and athletes with vision impairment.
Every Football 5-a-Side match is played between two teams with four blind athletes and one sighted or visually impaired goalkeeper on the field, and five substitutes. A Football match lasts 50 minutes with two halves lasting 25 minutes each and a 10 minutes half time in between. The winning team is the one, which scores the most goals during a match. At the Athens Paralympic Games the Football 5-a-Side tournament competition programme will be completed within six competition days: 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 September 2004.

Football 7-a-Side (Olympic Hockey Centre (HOC))

Beginning in 1978, it has spread to many countries, attracting more and more fans. Athletes with cerebral palsy compete in the Football 7-a-Side tournament. Every team consists of 12 players. Every Football match is played between two teams with seven players on each side, including the goalkeeper. The match lasts 60 minutes and is played in two halves of 30 minutes each, with a 15-minute half time in between. The winner is the team, which scores the most goals. At the Athens Paralympic Games the Football 7-a-Side tournament will be completed within five days: 19, 21, 23, 25 and 27 September 2004.

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