How many athletes from how many countries participated in the first Winter Paralympics?

The first Winter Paralympics were held in 1976 in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden. This event marked a significant milestone in the history of adaptive sports, showcasing the abilities of athletes with disabilities on an international stage. The correct answer, which states that 196 athletes from 16 countries participated, accurately reflects the scale and participation of this inaugural event.

The diversity in countries represented and the number of participating athletes is indicative of the growing interest and commitment to inclusion in sports within various nations at that time. This established a foundation for subsequent Winter Paralympics, leading to increased attendance and more countries participating in later iterations.

The other options do not match historical records regarding the number of athletes or countries involved in the first event, illustrating how the early years of the Paralympics began to evolve compared to today’s competitions. The establishment of the Winter Paralympics provided a platform for athletes to showcase their skills, contributing significantly to the visibility of adaptive sports globally.