Worksheets

The triathlon is a very demanding sport where athletes swim 1,500 metres, then ride their bikes for 40 kilometres before finishing with a 10 kilometre run. It was invented in California in the 1970s as an alternative to normal athletics training, and is now one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Have you ever done a triathlon? If not, do you think you could do one?

There are two football events at the Paralympic Games: 5-a-side and 7-a-side. 7-a-side football is played by athletes with cerebral palsy. The rules are very similar to 11-a-side football, with some modifications. Have you ever seen a game of 7-a-side Football?

Sailing is simple on one level. It is the art of using the power of wind to move a boat. It has been very important, all the way through history, for the development of fishing, trade, transport, exploration and war. It has been an Olympic sport since 1900, and has been evolving ever since then with advances in boat design and technology. Have you ever been sailing? Have you ever competed in a race?

Judo means ‘gentle way’. It is one of the two martial arts included in the Olympic Games. The other is Taekwondo. Do you know about the interesting history of judo? Did you know it has a complex mix of attacking and defensive moves? Have you ever practised judo or another martial art?

What do you know about archery? Paralympic Archery was first developed
to rehabilitate people with a physical disability. However, it quickly became a
competitive sport. Are there any stories in your national history about archery?
Do you know any famous archers – ancient or modern?

Judo means ‘gentle way’ and it is the only martial art on the Paralympic programme. In Paralympic Judo, all the athletes have visual impairments. The main difference between Paralympic Judo and Olympic Judo is the athletes are allowed to have contact with their opponent before each contest begins. Have you ever practised judo or another martial art?