Parapan 101: Powerlifting

Powerlifting is considered by many to be the ultimate test of strength. The sport made its debut at the 1964 Paralympic Games in Tokyo (the 2nd Paralympics). Powerlifting was originally exclusive to men with spinal cord injuries. Powerlifting now has male and female competitors with a wide range of disabilities. Powerlifting has been part of the Parapan Am Games since it began in 1999.

The objective is to lift the most weight. Competitors are required to lie on an official bench with their head and body in contact with the bench, and their legs and both heels extended throughout the lift. Three attempts are given to perform each lift. The heaviest "good lift" (within the weight class) is used for final placing in the competition.

Powerlifting is the only discipline with 10 different weight divisions. According to the Canadian Paralympic Committee, athletes draw lots to determine the order of weigh-in and lifts.
 
Results from 2011 Parapan Am Games

You can click here to view the results of the men’s and women’s powerlifting events.

Venue for 2015
 
Hershey Centre (aka Mississauga Sports Centre), 5500 Rose Cherry Place, Mississauga, Ontario.

 

Parapan 101: Swimming

Swimming is one of the largest and longest-standing sports for athletes with a disability. Para-swimming has been part of the Paralympics since the first official Games in Rome in 1960. There are several para-swimming competitions around the world, and the sport is governed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

Rules for para-swimming are adapted from the International Swimming Federation (FINA). There are some differences. Para-swimmers can either stand or sit on a platform before diving in, or they can start their race in the water. Blind and visually impaired swimmers often have people called "tappers." These tappers stand at the end of the pool and use a pole to tap the swimmers when they approach the wall, indicating when the swimmer should turn or end the race. Blind and visually impaired swimmers are required to wear blackened goggles, so they can compete at an even level with partially sighted swimmers.

Results from 2011 Parapan Am Games

You can click here to view the results of the men’s and women’s para-swimming events.

Venue for 2015
 
CIBC Pan Am/ Parapan Am Aquatics Centre and Field House, 875 Morningside Avenue, Toronto,
Ontario.

   

Getting involved with the Equal Grounds Training Project and the EyeWriter Demo

On Saturday, July 6, I took part in a pilot project and a product demonstration with a group of people at Ryerson University. Most of the participants, including myself, are tech-savvy and also seeking greater access to employment.

Terrence Ho, a business analyst with Bombardier Aerospace, started the Equal Grounds Training Project in response to the lack of employment opportunities offered to me and others living with disabilities. His passion to help others has largely stemmed from volunteering at a young age.

The day’s workshop began with some getting-to-know-you exercises, followed by role-playing and one-on-one discussions on personal skills and interests transferable to a professional environment.

After the workshop, we all took turns testing a demo of the EyeWriter. This is an eye-tracking computer program for people who are paralyzed or have difficulty using a mouse or keyboard. The software program was originally created for graffiti artist Tony ‘TEMPT’ Quan, who lives with ALS (aka Lou Gehrig’s disease). EyeWriter uses inexpensive cameras and vision software to track a person’s eye movements. The latest version of EyeWriter (3.0) continues to be in the early trial stages.

The day concluded with a dinner and a discussion on the next steps for the Equal Grounds Training Project. A follow-up workshop is planned for August 10 and 11.

Long-term goals are for us to host and take part in a TEDx conference next year, and to further develop the EyeWriter or other assistive-related technology.