Sledge racing classification

Paralympic sledge racing classification is the classification system for sledge racing that is based on functional mobility related to how people sit in a sled.

Classification is based on how a person sits in their sled.^[1] The classification system used is a functional mobility based one.^[2]

While the CP-ISRA has an interest in the sport because it is open to people with cerebral palsy, it is not governed by them.^[3]

Prior to 1988, the classification assessment process generally involved a medical exam to determine the classification.^[4] The change in winter disability sport classification towards a more formal functional classification system happened more quickly as a result of changes being made in wheelchair basketball classification that started in 1983.^[4] The sport was one sports people with disabilities were more likely to participate in during the 1990s.^[5]

At the 1976 Winter Paralympics, only amputee competitors were included at the Games in full medal sports. This sport was a demonstration sport for spinal paralysis classes.^[6][7] At the 1980 Winter Paralympics, this was only one of two sports open to athletes with lower limb paralysis classifications.^[7] At the 1994 Winter Paralympics, wheelchair disability types were eligible to participate, with classification being run through the International Paralympic Committee, with two classification types.^[8] Due to the lack of countries registered in the 1994 and 1998 Winter Paralympic Games, the sport was removed from the Paralympic program in 1999.^[9]