Winter Paralympic Games Pyeongchang 2018

On March 9th, the Winter Paralympic Games Pyeongchang 2018 will begin, with the participation of 670 athletes, which represents a 24 percent increase compared to Sochi 2014.

Check out everything you need to know about this winter sports event.

This competition will kick off on Friday, March 9th, where the opening ceremony will be at 4:50 am Mexico time and will last for two hours.

It is worth noting that due to the bad weather in that country, there was no time for rehearsals and there was a problem with the budget, which was not enough for its realization, as confirmed by Lee Moon-tae, the event director.

Similarly, this ceremony will showcase the four Paralympic values, which are determination, inspiration, courage, and equality. The event will conclude on March 18th.

Mascot

The official mascot of the Winter Paralympic Games Pyeongchang 2018 is 'Bandabi', an Asian black bear, which symbolizes strength, will, and courage.

Medals

The medals are based on those from the Winter Olympic Games but have unique characteristics influenced by Korean culture and traditions.

Countries

Some of the countries participating in this competition are: United States, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland.

It is worth mentioning that Russia was suspended by the International Paralympic Committee due to doping cases, but the IPC has allowed Russian athletes to participate as neutrals and they will march under the Paralympic flag in the opening and closing ceremonies.

Sports

The sports that will be contested are:

Alpine skiing: Includes downhill, super giant slalom, giant slalom, slalom, and super combined events. It involves three groups of athletes: visually impaired, physically disabled athletes who compete standing, and physically disabled athletes who compete sitting.

Biathlon: It is a sport exclusive to athletes with physical disabilities and combines two competitions in one: cross-country skiing and shooting.

Cross-country skiing: Practiced by athletes with physical disabilities, visual impairments, or cerebral palsy.

Ice hockey: Played by individuals with physical disabilities in their lower extremities. It is a fast-paced sport with a lot of physical contact.

Snowboarding: In Pyeongchang, there will be ten events, six for men and four for women.

Wheelchair curling: Practiced by athletes with no or limited mobility. Teams must be composed of athletes from both genders.

Mexico

Our country will have a great representative, Arly Velásquez, who already has experience in this competition. He will participate in alpine skiing and is currently training in Korea to arrive at his peak.

Powerhouses

According to the history of this competition, the countries with the most medals are:

Country       Total Medals

Norway         319

Germany       345

Austria           325

United States 279

Russia             233