The success of the first Paralympic Games led to a second, in which there was a 40 percent increase in participation. All classes of athletes with physical disabilities were now allowed to participate.

SPORTS

Ice Sledge Racing was introduced as a new sport, putting three sports on the programme in Geilo. Women competed in distances of 100m, 500m and 800m, while men competed in distances of 100m, 500m and 1,500m. On top of that, a demonstration event in Sledge Downhill Racing was held at the Games.

IPC Alpine Skiing Cross-country skiing Wheelchair curling

OPENING CEREMONY

The Norwegian Sports Organization for the Disabled, today’s National Paralympic Committee in Norway, held a large, colorful ceremony.

MEDALS

Host nation Norway finished atop the medal standings with an astounding 23 golds, while Finland finished in second with 15. Austria, Sweden and Switzerland rounded out the top five in the medal standings.

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES

Sledge Racer Mjassund Oejen of Great Britain won all three competitions in her classification, and was the star of the Games.