BIATHLON
Biathlon was introduced in Innsbruck in 1988 (for athletes with a physical disability). In 1992, athletes with a visual impairment were also able to compete in Biathlon. The competition is open to athletes with a physical disability and blindness/visual impairment. It consists of a 7.5km route divided into three 2.5km stages. Between the two stages athletes must hit two targets located at a distance of 10 metres. Each miss is penalized by an increase in the overall route time. The most important success factor lies in the capability of alternating the skills of physical endurance and shooting accuracy during the competition. Athletes with blindness/visual impairment are assisted by acoustic signals, which depending on signal intensity, indicate when the athlete is on target. The sport is governed by the IPC with co-ordination by the IPC Nordic Skiing Technical Committee following the modified rules of the International Biathlon Union (IBU).

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Cross-Country Skiing appeared at the 1976 Winter Games in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden. The competition is open to athletes with a physical disability and blindness/visual impairment. Depending on functional disability, a competitor uses a sit-ski, a chair equipped with a pair of skis. Athletes with blindness/visual impairment compete in the event with a sighted guide. Male and female athletes compete in short distance, middle distance and long distance (ranging from 2.5km to 20km) or participate in a team relay using classical or free techniques. Cross Country Skiing is governed by the IPC with co-ordination by the IPC Nordic Skiing Technical Committee following modified rules of the International Ski Federation (FIS) and in 2006, is practiced by athletes in 24 countries.