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Quick facts
History
Winter disability sports started gradually after World War II, as large numbers of injured soldiers and civilians tried to return to their skiing activities. Early innovations in ski equipment design resulted in three-track skiing for leg amputees using crutches that had small skis mounted, making three tracks in the snow. This led to the first course in three-track skiing in February 1948, with 17 participants from all over Austria. This is the first known documented Championships for skiers with a disability. The event proved popular, and the first Austrian Championships were held the following year.
It was in the 1970s that cross-disability skiing competitions started. In 1974, the first world championships were held in Grand Bornand in France, which featured Alpine (downhill) and Nordic Skiing (cross-country) for athletes with amputations and visual impairments.
The first Paralympic Winter Games was held from 21 to 28 February in 1976 in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden. There were competitions in Alpine and Nordic Skiing for amputee and visually impaired athletes, and a demonstration event in Ice Sledge Racing. Approximately 250 athletes from 16 countries took part.
Nine of the 16 countries who took part won medals with the Federal Republic of Germany finishing on top of the medal tally. Switzerland almost stole top spot with a total of 10 gold from their 12 medals in total. Australia was unofficially represented at these Games by Ron Finneran, who competed but is not officially recognised as he does not fall into the amputee or visual impairment categories.
It was in the 1970s that cross-disability skiing competitions started. In 1974, the first world championships were held in Grand Bornand in France, which featured Alpine (downhill) and Nordic Skiing (cross-country) for athletes with amputations and visual impairments.
The first Paralympic Winter Games was held from 21 to 28 February in 1976 in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden. There were competitions in Alpine and Nordic Skiing for amputee and visually impaired athletes, and a demonstration event in Ice Sledge Racing. Approximately 250 athletes from 16 countries took part.
Nine of the 16 countries who took part won medals with the Federal Republic of Germany finishing on top of the medal tally. Switzerland almost stole top spot with a total of 10 gold from their 12 medals in total. Australia was unofficially represented at these Games by Ron Finneran, who competed but is not officially recognised as he does not fall into the amputee or visual impairment categories.
Tv Coverage - ABCDaily Highlights
Daily Highlights will be shown each night 6pm-6.30pm. Hosted by Darren Boyd and Amanda Shalala.
Live Streaming
ABC Grandstand Website will be streaming live action and highlights packages from the Paralympic Games.
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Sports in 2014- Alpine Skiing
- Cross Country Skiing - Biathlon - Ice Sledge Hockey - Wheelchair Curling Australia is competing in Alpine Skiing (which includes snowboard cross). |
Australian Team
Australia has a team of 26 including nine athletes, two sighted guides for vision impaired athletes and 15 staff.
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