What are Disability Sports
The word "Sport" comes from the Old French desport meaning "leisure." American English uses the term "sports" to refer to this general type of recreational activity, whereas other regional dialects use the singular "sport". The Persian word for "sport" is based on the rootbord, meaning "winning". The Chinese term for "sport," tiyu (体育; 體育) connotes "physical training". The Modern Greek term forsport is Αθλητισμός (athlitismos), directly cognate with the English terms "athlete" and "athleticism." Thus "Sport" can be defined as "an organized, competitive, and skillful physical activity requiring commitment and fair play, in which a winner can be defined by objective means. It is governed by a set of rules or customs". Sports, in general, take up an important place in the lives of most individuals. The oldest definition of sport in English is of anything humans find amusing or entertaining.It as an "Activity engaged in for relaxation and amusement" with synonyms including diversion and recreation".
Being disabled doesn't mean the world of sports get shut for us. There are certain category of sports which are known as "Disabled Sports". They are played by persons with a disability,whether physical or intellectual disabilities. Many of the existing sports are modified to meet the needs of persons with a disability, they are sometimes referred to as adapted sports. On the other hand there are several sports that have been specifically created for persons with a disability. These sports are divided into three broad disability groups: the deaf, persons with physical disabilities, and persons with intellectual disabilities. Each group has a distinct history, organization, competition program, and approach to sport.
Formal international competition in deaf sport began with the 1924 Paris Silent Games.Organized sport for persons with physical disabilities developed out of rehabilitation programs. Following the Second World War, in response to the needs of large numbers injured ex-service members and civilians, sport was introduced as a key part of rehabilitation.Sport for persons with intellectual disabilities began to be organized in the 1960s through the Special Olympics movement.
Disability sport events provide an opportunity to bring their hidden sporting talents to the surface level. Sports have rehabilitative effect on an individual with disability along with functioning as a means of recreation.
Psychological Benefits People with disabilities who participate in sports or regular exercise are able to handle pressure and stress. They have less depression, confusion, tension and anger. It gives them chance to develop a sense of mastery and set and achieve certain goals. Swimmers are reported to have a strong self-identity, strong competitive nature, and goal-oriented focus.It make them feel like they can achieve new heights for themselves.Disability sports have given an impetus to the revival of confidence and intelligence within the large group of disabled individuals
Social Benefits Individuals with disabilities get the opportunity to experience peer interaction, acceptance, and recognition. Sports can be a vehicle to combat discrimination by providing the able-bodied athlete the opportunity to see the athletic ability of the disabled athlete.Taking part in a sporting event can make individuals develop a sense of belonging that every game team brings with it.
Physical Benefits Sporting activities provide them much needed exercise.For persons with a disability who require the use of adaptive devices (walkers, crutches, wheelchair),If people with disabilities are in good physical shape they would be able to use adaptive devices like walkers,wheelchairs and crutches easily and more effectively.They would feel less fatigue and even lesser risk to injuries.Athletes have healthier body fat to muscle ratio, decreased obesity, improved cardio-pulmonary functioning, and increased muscular strength and endurance. They show improved mobility, balance, and endurance.
