Sport for people with disabilities is a set of sports disciplines adapted for people with various physical limitations.
It allows people with disabilities to lead an active life, develop physically and spiritually, and achieve high sports results.
Sports for people with disabilities:
Paralympic sports:
- Athletics
- Swimming
- Fencing
- Table tennis
- Powerlifting
- Archery
- Judo
- Cycling
- Wheelchair basketball
- Wheelchair Rugby
- Electric wheelchair football
- Alpine skiing
- Biathlon
- Curling
- Sledge Hockey
- Paralympic Games
Other disciplines:
- Sitting volleyball
- Boccia
- Goalball
- Shuffleboard
- Darts
- Table football
- Arm wrestling
Among the physical activities we will highlight:
- Adaptive exercise
- Wheelchair dancing
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Swimming
- Fitness
Characteristics of sports for people with disabilities:
- Adaptability: rules and equipment are adapted for people with different physical limitations.
- Inclusion: people with disabilities can compete on an equal basis with people without disabilities.
- Accessibility: access to sports facilities and equipment should be accessible to people with disabilities.
- Safety: sport should be safe for people with disabilities.
Sport for people with disabilities has many positive effects:
- Physical development: strengthening muscles, improving co-ordination, increasing endurance.
- Psychological development: increased self-confidence, improved mood, reduced stress.
- Social adaptation: ability to socialise with people,
- Goal achievement: the ability to set goals and achieve them.
Sport for people with disabilities is an important factor in the rehabilitation and integration of people with disabilities into society.
It enables people with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives and achieve high performance.
In order for people with disabilities to be able to fully engage in sports, certain rules must be invented for them, which people with disabilities can fulfil. Let’s understand in more detail on the example of futsal for the deaf.
Futsal for the Deaf is a team sport adapted for people with hearing impairments.
- Players: only people with hearing impairment (hearing loss of at least 55 dB) can play in a team.
- Refereeing: referees use visual cues to control the game.
- Ball: The ball has an audible cue to help players hear it.
- Field size: the field is slightly smaller than in regular futsal.
- Game duration: two halves of 20 minutes.
- Substitutions: unlimited substitutions.
- Communication: Players communicate with each other using gestures.
Futsal for the Deaf is a dynamic and entertaining sport that enables people with hearing impairments to play with their hearing.
It is one of the most popular sports among people with disabilities.
International Futsal for the Deaf competitions:
- World Championships: held every four years.
- European Championships: held every two years.
- European Cup: held every year.