Recreation and Sports for Physically Challenged Children with Disabilies

Exercise. It's important for physical development. It strengthens bones, ligaments and muscles. It increases cardiovascular endurance and flexibility. It effectively burns calories and fat while reducing appetite. It can even promote stress reduction.

Through our basic design, we were meant to be active. Though exercise has become less necessary for our survival, it remains a vital part of our overall well-being, both physically and mentally.

Kids are naturally active, and yet over 15.5% of children between the ages of 9 and 12 are considered obese -more than half of the 9-12 year olds are not as fit as they ought to be!

Physical activity should be a normal part of your everyday routine, whether your child is an athlete or not. But - what about those children with special needs?

Physically challenged children have the same basic needs and similar desires as any other child. Physical activity is just as necessary, if not more so, for the physically challenged child. It builds strength and endurance, develops coordination and control, and can help control weight. Plus it boosts self-esteem and helps teach copings skills necessary to conquer shortcomings.

Exercise through sports and recreation can actually significantly improve some physical movements, making it a useful adjunct to physical therapy. Traditional therapy improves range of motion, and develops strength and coordination, but can sometimes be perceived as laborious, boring and often painful. Being part of a team can inspire kids to focus on the activity rather than worrying about the disability. Physical activity becomes a challenge worth pursuing while having loads of fun!

Picking a Sport
All children, regardless of race, creed or disability, have different personalities and motivations. The physically challenged child should have the opportunity to try a number of different recreational activities to determine the best option.