Access to adaptive sport opportunities is an exciting and necessary component of the recreation sector. There is a need to offer opportunities to play adaptive sports in order to allow everyone the chance to enjoy physical activity for life.
The role that adaptive sports play in the lives of those with disabilities is no secret to Saskatchewan. There are numerous associations and clubs that advocate and offer access to adaptive sport opportunities for athletes with varying types of abilities. For example, the Saskatchewan Wheelchair Association offers over 10 different kinds of adaptive sports programs for individuals to participate in. From sledge hockey, to sailing, to water skiing, the Association is committed to ensuring inclusive and interactive sports programs for people with varying levels of mobility. In addition, the Saskatchewan Blind Sports Association offers similar opportunities for individuals with visual impairments.
What’s really impressive about these athletes is that in addition to living an active lifestyle, many athletes have taken advantage of these opportunities in order to strive for excellence and have been able to represent our province at provincial, national, and international levels of sport. Check out this profile on Saskatchewan’s own Becky Richter and her successes, including her recent gold medal at the 2015 Toronto Parapan Am Games.
Interestingly, and unlike non-adapted sports, adaptive sports are often made accessible to those with and without disabilities to participate, further encouraging the combined interactions and participation of these groups. Opportunities such as these not only break the barriers and stereotypes associated with physical disabilities but they also help the recreation sector fill the gap of providing lifelong recreational opportunities for everyone, no matter what their capabilities may be.
Check it out!- Canada’s Wheelchair rugby team is currently on a 4-0 streak at the Toronto 2015 Parapan Am Games
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