Where do Paralympic athletes relax between competitions? The Athletes Village!

Paralympic Athlete's Village
The Paralympic Village is designed for some relaxing environments during the athletes’ hours away from competition. The Athletes Village is designed to remove the athletes from the media, stress and pressure of the games. 

Every country has a section of the Athlete Village dedicated to the county they are from.   There are also many areas where athletes can relax in non-competitive environments.  

Freebies for Athletes
In one room, called the “living room,” an acoustical band plays soothing live music.  The room is lined with vending machines from Coca Cola, which are full of Coke and Minute Maid products that are available with a touch of a button - no coins required!

Another room is lined with ACER computers for the athletes who want to maintain connectivity to their online communities.

Paralympic Competition - Not!
Many athletes also choose to hang out in areas that have non-medal competitive situations for inter-country competitions.  Two of the favorite sports at the Village are billiards and shuffle board. 

During our trip we found athletes from Russia, Japan, and the USA taking advantage of some relaxing moments together enjoying recreational activities.   Many could not speak the same language but when it came to playing billiards it was just smiles and 8 ball in the corner pocket.   

Athletes Village Security
Very few people have the opportunity to visit the Athlete Village because you’re required to go through four different inspections leading into it, so that the organizing committee is sure the athletes will not have any subversive interactions prior to competition.

Athletes often require a place to relax and prepare for competition.  The Village promotes a healthy environment for the Paralympic athletes who make it to this elite level of competition.

Photo courtesy Jeff Burley.