2006 Winter Paralympics facts for kids

The 2006 Winter Paralympic Games were a big international sports event for athletes with disabilities. It was the ninth time the Winter Paralympics were held. The games took place in Turin, Italy, from March 10 to March 19, 2006. This was the first time Italy hosted the Winter Paralympic Games.

Alpine Skiing: New Rules

At the 2006 Winter Paralympics, a new way to group athletes for alpine skiing was used. Before, there were 14 different groups. The new system changed this to just three main groups. This made the competition fairer by using special calculations for results in each group.

For example, in the Super-G race, which is a very fast downhill skiing event, there were 55 male skiers. There were 18 female skiers in the standing group, meaning they could stand while skiing.

Sledge Hockey: USA's Bronze

Sledge hockey is an exciting team sport similar to ice hockey, but played by athletes who use sleds to move across the ice. Players use two short sticks with picks on the ends to push themselves and also to hit the puck.

In the sledge hockey competition at the 2006 Games, the United States team won the bronze medal, finishing in third place.

Images for kids

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  Participating nations. Green: fewer than 5 athletes; blue: 5–9; orange: 10–19; red: 20 or more.

See also

In Spanish: Juegos Paralímpicos de Turín 2006 para niños