How Many Countries Send Athletes to the Paralympic Games?

In 2012, 26 countries sent athletes to the Paralympic Games in London. Bosnia, Iraq, Iran, Rwanda and Thailand actually sent more athletes to the Paralympics than they did to the Olympics. Great Britain sent 295 competitors to the Paralympics, the most of any country, followed by China's 291 athletes.

More about the Paralympics:

• To participate in the Paralympics, an athlete must have at least one of the disabilities that are recognized by the International Paralympic Committee. The disabilities are broadly grouped into three categories: physical disabilities, visual disabilities and intellectual disabilities. There are several sub-categories of disabilities that are recognized in each category.


• The 2012 Summer Paralympics featured 20 sports. The Winter Paralympics featured five.


• Visually impaired Paralympic competitors and their guides are considered to be a team, and both are eligible to win medals.