[Long-distance swimming competitions for the physically handicapped (author's transl)].

Long-distance swimming competitions for the physically handicapped constitute a new measure in sports for the disabled. Such competitions can only be carried out after intensive training as a result of which predictions can be made for sports for the elderly practised for health reasons. Also, younger disabled people with different severely restricted physical functions, e.g., the paraplegics and the thalidomide disabled, are able to take part in these competitions and possibly even to swim against the non-disabled if they are fitted with the appropriate aids. The effects of endurance training are presented on the basis of many years of experiences with a supra-regional swimming group. The possible consequences for leisure time sports in clubs and organisations are discussed. The results and interim times of the two Cologne swimming festivals are documented in detail and analysed to determine performance pre-requisites. The relationship between general sports and sports for the disabled is reviewed and studied in view of a possible social integration.