The 1980 Winter Paralympic Games, the second Winter Paralympics, were held from 1 to 7 February 1980 in Geilo, Norway. Eighteen countries took part with 299 athletes. A demonstration event was held in sledge downhill racing. All classes of athletes with locomotor disabilities were able to participate. Organized by the International Stoke Mandeville Games Federation (ISMGF) and the International Sports Federation of the Disabled (ISOD).
The 1980 Winter Paralympics opening ceremony
Australian paralympic team at the 1980 Winter Paralympics
The Winter Paralympic Games is an international multi-sport event where athletes with physical disabilities compete in snow and ice sports. The event includes athletes with mobility impairments, amputations, blindness, and cerebral palsy. The Winter Paralympic Games are held every four years directly following the Winter Olympic Games and hosted in the same city. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) oversees the Games. Medals are awarded in each event: with gold for first place, silver for second, and bronze for third, following the tradition that the Olympic Games began in 1904.
One of the four Paralympic cauldrons located in Yanqing during the 2022 Winter Paralympics
Official sticker from the first Winter Paralympics held in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, 1976
Paralympian Andy Soule in the 12.5 km cross-country race at the 2010 Winter Olympics
Ice sledge hockey game at the 2010 Winter Paralympics