Sport and disability

28 Nov 2011

Sport and disability

The 3^rdof December 2011 is National Day for Disabled Persons.

People with disabilities make up almost 15% of the world’s population. 1/5 of this percentage encounter significant difficulties and almost a quarter of the global population are directly affected by disability, in the form of a care-giver or family member.

Exercise is even more important for people with a disability. It keeps up body strength, gives you energy, improves stress and can help reduce fatigue.

There is a wide variety of sporting activities available to people with disabilities.  However, popular sports are: Football, Swimming, Athletics, Tennis and Basketball.

Sports development

Disabled sport ranges from entry level to international competition, with many levels in between.

Studies have shown that people with disabilities accrue additional benefits from participating in regular moderate physical activities. The benefits can be categorised into two separate headings:

• Physical
  • Weight Loss
  • Improved strength and flexibility
  • Improved stamina: able to stay active for longer in everyday activities
  • Lower blood pressure and cholesterol and improved circulation
• Psychological / Emotional
  • Reduced stress, anxiety and mild depression
  • A sense of achieving goals
  • Increased feeling of well being
  • Improved body image which lead to better self confidence
  • Opportunity to meet new people and gain better social skills

A  variety of adapted sports programmes across the nation offer Skiing, horseback riding, scuba diving, tennis, softball, rafting, hiking, fishing, canoeing, sailing and organised trips for people of almost all ages with all types of disabilities. 

Dame Tanni Grey- Thomson

Dame Tanni Grey Thomson is one the UK’s most successful Paralympic athletes with 16 medals to her name, she first hand has experienced the difficulties of participating in sport as a disabled person, however is, living proof that everyone can be successful.

‘ We cannot shy away from the challenge that still exists in getting disable people into appropriate school sports sessions, into mainstream clubs and able to access quality coaching. If we get this right then we can also get improved attitudes towards disabled people and a more inclusive approach to access’.

If you have a disability you generally have to work much harder to become more creative with exercising.  Talk to your doctor, Physiotherapist, or other people with disabilities in order to find more exercises. There is definitely a sport and a place for everyone.