Documents

Sport for individuals with different kinds of disabilities

Rosó CANGRÓS, Catalan Federation of Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Catalonia is a country with a strong associative network, resulting in that individuals with a common interest join together in order to carry out diverse projects.

One of the many projects consists of sport adapted for individuals affected by cerebral palsy or traumatic brain injury.

The Federaciò Catalana Esportiva Paràlisi Cerebral (FCEPC) brings together a total of twenty-three clubs located throughout Catalonia, six of which are at the professional level. Some were founded as early as 1876, such as the Centre Excursionista de Catalunya; others such as the C.A.Nou Barris feature a prominent sports career. These clubs created a section for adapted sport, where our young men and women are able to train together with non-disabled individuals; the remainder of the clubs pertain specifically to individuals affected by various disabilities.

Catalonia currently stands with two hundred and twenty-three sports licenses. These federated individuals are those who practise competitive sport from the autonomous level right through to the international level; Paralympics; World Championships…However, let it be known that we do not feel satisfied with the current number of licenses; we hope to increase this number substantially.

Sports practised on the federated level include: swimming; slalom skiing; boccia; horse riding; indoor football; 7-player football; athletics; cross-country skiing and table tennis.

Outside the federated level, on a local level, a number of clubs include the practise of mountain sports and sea kayaking.

The clubs also carry out the practise of recreational sports, for the physical, psychological and social well-being that those particular sports offer.

The 1992 Paralympics Games were successful in raising public awareness of individuals affected by various types of disabilities. It has become commonplace to see individuals practising adapted sport in swimming pools, athletics tracks, and ski runs. However there is still more ground to be covered with regard to greater social awareness.

Society must cease to praise in instances when a person with a disability practises sport. Deep down, there is certain level of compassion, and what must be worked on is greater understanding and breaking down Architectural Barriers (AB).

One very important element to adapted sport are the volunteers, those individuals who in an altruistic manner, make a commitment to accompany our athletes to a sports centre, a trip to the snow, to a championship game…These volunteers are not involved on a technical level; however, they are essential when it comes to meal times, going to the bathroom… some athletes are highly affected and need the assistance of a third party in order to be able to manage.

BENEFITS OF SPORT

Individuals who suffer from disabilities lead more sedentary lives.

The practise of sport brings a number of benefits to the individual, which include: increases in flexibility and elasticity; balance and coordination are developed; one becomes more aware of one's own body; increases in oxygen intake and heart rate; one's self-image is improved; increases in self-confidence and a general feeling of success.

SPORT DOESN'T ADD YEARS TO YOUR LIFE; IT ADDS LIFE TO YOUR YEARS