A social-historical perspective on the development of sports for persons with physical disability in Israel

The purpose of this essay is to describe the main developments within Israel of sports for persons with a disability across the 60 years of Israel's existence. Following introductory remarks on the global development of this aspect of sports in relation to Israel's cultural context, the early leaders, who established sports for persons with disability in Israel, are acknowledged. In the next section, the official structures governing and facilitating organized sports for participants with a disability are portrayed, leading up to an account of Israel's participation in the Paralympic Games. Trends in participation of male and female athletes and the medals gained between 1960 and 2004 are highlighted and discussed. This review of Paralympic accomplishments is concluded with a comprehensive description of the events related to hosting the Paralympic Games in 1968. Current trends and future directions, encompassing the need for increasing grassroots level participation and governmental support, as well as the issues of female under representation and differences in support systems provided to Israeli Defence Force veterans compared to those with disabilities due to other causes, sum up this essay.