Disability sports and recreation activities are increasingly becoming a powerful tool for positive change in our society and there are more options available, just like other disability services. Sports and recreation present an opportunity for all people to improve not just their physical health, but also mental well-being, providing immediate and long-term health benefits.
Sports and recreation activities help create a positive and inclusive social environment where vital social and life skills can be fostered and strengthened. These activities can help people of all abilities get out and about in the community, creating a positive outlook and well-being.
PHYSICALLY HEALTHIER & HIGHER ENERGY LEVELS
The physical health benefits of an active lifestyle are well known. Regularly participating in disability sports and recreation activities can lead to many physical improvements including:
- Increased muscle strength,
- Improved balance and motor skills,
- Enhanced cardiovascular endurance and higher energy levels
- For those with disabilities, an increase in physical strength and energy can lead to a greater level of independence and freedom as more daily tasks can be completed without assistance.
SOCIAL BENEFITS
Sport and recreation has the rare ability to transcend social, linguistic, and cultural barriers. Thanks to its universal popularity and ability to draw people of different backgrounds together, disability sports and recreation are a fantastic tool for fostering the inclusion and well-being of those of all abilities.
All across Australia, there are sport and recreation activities coordinated by people living with a disability seeking to enjoy the social benefits. Through these organised activities, community members can meet friends with similar life experiences and create a positive social network.
GOAL SETTING & CONFIDENCE
Sport and recreation activities primarily centre around setting, working towards, and accomplishing goals. Through goal setting, disability sports and recreation can become a tool to boost confidence and improve self-esteem.
Goal setting is an extremely effective motivation technique and when used correctly, a potentially empowering life skill. Goal setting gives an individual a sense of progression by creating an achievable, step-by-step framework to success.
When goals are successfully achieved, an enormous sense of accomplishment and pride is felt, boosting one’s self-confidence. With the knowledge of goal setting, heightened motivation and renewed confidence, goals and tasks in the workplace or other settings will become more likely to succeed.
COMMUNICATION, TEAMWORK & LEADERSHIP SKILLS
In order to be successful in team-based activities, it’s necessary to know how to work well with others. The ability to communicate effectively is not just the key to success in disability sport and recreation, but also in social and workplace environments. By understanding the nuances of how to communicate and coordinate with one another, reaching a common goal becomes an attainable feat.
Team sports such as AFL, rugby, soccer and basketball are perfect for developing leadership traits and skills. When you are part of a team, whether you’re training, winning or losing, you do it together.
People involved in disability sports and recreation are naturally more inclined to adopt a “team mindset” in social situations and the workplace. A team mindset leads to strong leadership qualities over time, and these skills can then be applied in day-to-day life.
Source: Life Plan
