It is believed that there
are about 600 million disabled people across the world.
For many years these vast number of people had very
little opportunity to take part in something as simple
as a sport activity. Lots of people without disabilities
take it for granted to be part of a sport team, either
for fun or as a recreational activity, while for many it
is an occupation being part of an international sport
team.
With the
developments in technology, over the recent couple of
years, most sports became available to disabled people
as well. We all know the positive effect taking part in
a sport can have on our lives. It reduces stress,
creates socializing opportunities and adds to our
overall well-being. Disabled people might need these
even more than others do. There are a few activities
that are within reach of almost any disabled person.
Horse Riding
The therapeutic value of
interaction with animals as part of any trauma treatment
has been proved over and over. Horses are specifically
useful for this type of treatment. Volunteers at the
centers for horse riding will assist the disabled person
to mount the horse and will also lead the horse when
necessary. The sense of achievement from this activity
and the pure enjoyment and interaction with the animal
will be to any disabled person's advantage. For those
who want to do more than just the occasional ride there
are competitions for disabled people.
Fishing
This is something nearly
everyone with a disability can do. Again it can be done
just for fun and entertainment or the disabled person
can enter one of the many fishing competitions
available. People in wheel chairs with good upper body
strength should be able to do it with very little or no
help. There are many volunteers in most cities and towns
who are available to assist disabled people with these
activities. Again it has physical as well as mental
rewards.
Athletics
To take part in
athletics, the immobile athlete will need a special
wheel chair adapted for optimal performance on the track
or special "legs". The athlete Oscar Pretorius who runs
with blade-like legs created quite a stir recently when
he was allowed to take part in the Olympic Games held in
Beijing in 2008. The argument against his inclusion was
that he might have an advantage against the able-bodied
runners. If that doesn't prove that technology has made
it possible for disabled people to do nearly everything
able-bodied people can, nothing will. Sport won't only
help the disabled person to physically become stronger
but also has many mental rewards.
