Dr Piotr Marek
Institute of Sport – National Research Institute
Member of the board of the Council for the Education and Qualification of Ministry Sport and Tourism, Poland
piotr.marek@insp.pl

Coaches play a crucial role in society, fulfilling various roles and addressing diverse life needs and requirements.
It is estimated that nine million coaches, both professionals and volunteers, support over 100 million Europeans in pursuing their sports-related goals (Lara-Bercial et al., 2017).
In today's world of sports, inclusion, or how we are treated and accepted, entails being open to all categories and social groups that are discriminated against or face barriers to their participation in social life.
Involving individuals with fewer opportunities in sports is intended to allow them to enjoy a quality of life considered normal in their own environment.
This inclusion extends not only to individuals with disabilities but also to coaches specializing in training this target group.
In particular, as noted by Pankowiak (2015), a better understanding is required of how the domain of Paralympic sports is unique compared to able-bodied sports.
Key differences between the development of Paralympic and Olympic athletes reflect many characteristic challenges and barriers, including the use of sports classification systems and the impact of technology in the Paralympic context, funding shortages, coaching offerings, accessibility, training opportunities, and competition (Pankowiak 2015).
The bridge connecting these two worlds can be a coach equipped with the appropriate sets of skills specific to this sports area. However, realizing the full potential in sports for individuals with disabilities requires not only determination and commitment from the athletes themselves but also the support of competent and well-prepared coaches.
Training strategies adapted to different types of disabilities, taking into account athletes' specific needs, are considered.
This specificity can manifest in various aspects related to training, such as the need to adapt equipment for a particular discipline, nutritional aspects in accordance with recommendations from physicians or dietitians, and the adaptation of training facilities for athletes.
All of these topics are essential for a coach's work. A deeper understanding of the impairment aspects can translate into more effective interventions and encouragement for regular training.
The findings of a study conducted by Patatas et al. (2018) suggest that a "one-size-fits-all" approach does not exist in developing an effective parasports system.
This study provides a framework illustrating the major differences between systems for able-bodied individuals and parasports.
Specifically, it influences how sports policy should be developed to raise awareness among sports decision-makers and sports directors, helping them understand parasport as a whole and its complexities.
In summary, scientific literature provides insight into the differences between able-bodied individuals and Paralympic sports from the perspective of sports policy, psychological understanding, the necessary exercise equipment, and physiological adaptation to exertion.
Ensuring equal access, funding, support from professionally trained coaches, and providing adequate education for athletes with disabilities is crucial for promoting inclusion and the development of this important field of sports.
Sports policy should take these differences into account and work towards providing equal opportunities for all coaches and athletes, regardless of their skills level or disabilities.

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