Track and Field at the 2013 World Dwarf Games

DAAA will offer the following events at the 2013 World Dwarf Games. Go to the Sports/Rules menu on the World Dwarf Games web site (http://www.2013WorldDwarfGames.org) to learn more about these events.

Field

• Futures age 6 & younger:  flippy flyer toss and tennis ball throw
• Juniors age 7-9:  frisbee toss and tennis ball throw
• Juniors age 10-12:  discus, javelin, and shot put - the focus of our USATFF grant
• Juniors age 13-15:  discus, javelin, and shot put - the focus of our USATFF grant
• Open/any age:  discus, javelin, and shot put
• Masters age 35 & older:  discus, javelin, and shot put

Track

• Futures age 6 & younger: 15m run, 20m run, and wheelchair slalom
• Juniors age 7-9:  20m run, 40m run, and wheelchair slalom
• Juniors age 10-12:  40m run, 60m run, and wheelchair slalom
• Juniors age 13-15:  60m run, 100m run, and wheelchair slalom
• Open/any age:  100m run, 200m run, and wheelchair slalom
• Masters age 35 & older:  100m run, 200m run, and wheelchair slalom
• Relays: 9 & under 4x20m shuttle relay, 12 & under 4x40m shuttle relay, 15 & under 4x60m shuttle relay, Open 4x100m relay, Masters 4x100m relay

Modifications for Dwarf Athletes

Because dwarf athletes have shorter limbs and less muscle mass than average-height athletes, they use lighter weight throwing implements and run shorter distances than their average-height peers. Because there is a large variation in height and body proportions amongst dwarf athletes, they compete in one of three classifications within each event. At risk of over-generalizing: Class 1 athletes are the shortest and tend to have more mobility limitations; Class 2 athletes tend to be taller with short arms and legs in proportion to trunk length; and Class 3 athletes are the tallest with relatively longer arms and legs. Wheelchair and scooter users are accommodated with a wheelchair slalom event that tests ability to manuver the wheelchair in/out of forward and reverse gates, conduct precise 180 and 360 degree spins, travel up/down a ramp, and weave in and out of a series of traffic cones.