Wheelchair sports are for athletes who are physically disabled but have the able-body to compete in a specific wheelchair sport. To define a physically disabled wheelchair athlete, they can either be a paraplegic - complete paralysis of the lower body including both legs, or they can be quadriplegics - complete paralysis from the neck down.

Wheelchair sports include wheelchair racing, rugby, basketball, hockey and many other sports where wheelchair athletes can participate and compete in. It is obvious the various wheelchair sports created are derived from their respective origin. But each sport is modified to specifically meet the caliber of performance by wheelchair athletic standards.

The idea of practicing sports in a wheelchair first occurred in England during the Second World War. This practice was a means of contributing to the rehabilitation of the wounded from physical and psychological injuries during the war. In 1948, the Paralympics was launched in conjunction with the Olympic Games, taking place in London to recognize the athletic abilities and talents of disabled athletes. The stunning growth of the Paralympics since 1948 meant more and more wheelchair athletes were participating and competing in various wheelchair sports.

The emergence of wheelchair sports has created a demand for better development of wheelchairs for recreational and competition purposes. Competing in wheelchair sports means specially designed wheelchairs are needed to enhance the individual performance of the athlete as well as the caliber of the sport. The growing demand has lead to improved research and development of stronger, lighter materials combined with customized designs to produce better wheelchairs for wheelchair athletes. For example, the improved design of wheelchairs has lead to better caliber of performance in wheelchair racing.

A reason for the growing popularity in wheelchair sports today; especially wheelchair racing is partly due to Canadian Paralympian Chantal Peticlerc.

In 1982, Chantal was only thirteen when she lost the use of both legs in an accident. The lost of both her legs did not stop Chantal from competing in sports and eventually competing in many Paralympic Games and World Championships amassing over fifteen Paralympics medals and one Olympic medal in wheelchair racing. Her success has caught the attention of many Canadians as well as the world, and this positive publicity can only lead to more growth in wheelchair sports.

Wheelchair sports will continue to evolve in the world of sports as there will always be a need for promoting a healthier lifestyle for people who rely on the use of a wheelchair.