The Paralympic versions of some sports are completely different to their Olympic counterparts. Blind football, for instance, is a whole new ball game: the ball used is less bouncy and contains ball bearings so that it makes a noise when it moves.
And what is the role of a 'tapper'? Tappers alert blind swimmers that the end of the pool is close by tapping the swimmer on the head with a long pole that has a ball on the end. This ensures the swimmer can swim confidently without being afraid of a crash at the end of the pool. Blind and partially sighted runners, on the other hand, can be assisted by a guide who is attached to them with a rope. The guide must be careful not to cross the finishing line before the athletes, as this crime is punishable by disqualification.
Lastly, the list of banned substances is the same for Olympic athletes and Paralympians. If an athlete needs additional medication, they must apply for an exemption. The director of operations at UK Anti-Doping, Nicole Sapstead, says: "Obviously there are athletes with spinal injuries and they need pain relief. But mostly it is the same as the Olympics - things like asthma and diabetes."
Now that you're ahead of the game as far as Paralympic facts are concerned, enjoy the action!
Quiz 測驗 What is the motto of the Paralympic Games?
Spirit in motion.
True, false or not given? The Olympic Games and Paralympic Games have always been held in the same place.
False. They have been held in different cities. Since 1988 they've been hosted in the same location.
How is the ball used in blind football different to a regular ball?
It's less bouncy and it contains ball bearings to make it audible.
Find a word in the article that means 'forbidden'.
Banned.
Which expression means 'in a position of advantage'?
To be ahead of the game.
Glossary 词汇表 the game is up結束了，完結了 to take the stage上場，亮相 agitos殘奧會旗幟或會徽專用語 a motto座右銘 a disability殘疾，障礙 a duty一項責任 a physical impairment肢體缺陷 a visual impairment視覺障礙 an intellectual disability智力障礙 a whole new ball game完全徹底不同的事物 ball bearings滾珠軸承 a tapper輕敲者（提醒視力受限運動員即將到達終點） a disqualification取消參賽資格 banned substances違禁藥物 a spinal injury脊椎損傷 pain relief止痛方式 ahead of the game處於領先或有利的位置
