Paralympic Sports Rotation Day
An intro to adapted sport with four stations: boccia, goalball, sitting volleyball and guided running. Each station has an info card and a team challenge for points, so students try the basic rules firsthand.
How to play
- Set up 4 stations, each with a card explaining the sport, who plays it and the challenge. Make 4 groups of 6 (one of 7) with a captain who keeps score (3 min).
- Boccia: seated, each student rolls 2 balls toward the jack 16 ft away; a point for each ball within a hand's length.
- Goalball: in trios, one rolls the bell ball and two blindfolded defenders lie on their sides to guard a 13-ft goal; a point per save.
- Sitting volleyball: in a circle, keep the soft ball up; record the best streak.
- Guided running: in pairs, one blindfolded holding the guide's forearm, they speed-walk a 65-ft course; a point if no cones are touched.
- Rotate every 6 minutes (24 min). At the end, each captain shares points and one fact learned (3 min).
Rules
- Blindfolds are used only at goalball and guided running, and you may take yours off after telling your group.
- In goalball, defend on your side and never dive headfirst.
- Use respectful, person-first language such as “a blind athlete” or “a wheelchair user,” never nicknames.
Variations
Easier
Guided running without blindfolds, holding hands.
Standard
Four 6-minute stations with an info card and a scored challenge.
Harder
At each station, the group proposes and tests a more inclusive rule.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student plays boccia and sitting volleyball as is, throws in goalball and guides from their wheelchair.
- Autism or shyness: a picture map of the rotation and the option to watch first.
- Fitness level: guided running can be slow; the goal is not touching cones.
Learning goals
- Experience four Paralympic sports and their basic rules.
- Cooperate to complete scored challenges.
- Use respectful language about disability and sport.
Equipment for a class of 25
- boccia set: 1
- ball with bells: 1
- blindfolds: 6
- soft ball: 1
- cones: 16
- task cards: 4
Teacher tip
Make cards with a photo, the sport's name, who plays it and the challenge in three lines. It's a great unit opener and can be repeated at the end.
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