Unit-4 Physical Education & Sports for CWSN (Children with Special Needs)

Special Olympics, an international organization that provides year-round sports  training and athletic      competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for  people with intellectual disabilities.

History- Special Olympics, founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of      former US President John F. Kennedy. The first Special Olympics games were held in Chicago, Illinois, with about 1,000 athletes from 26 states and   Canada participating. Today, Special Olympics have grown into a global movement with over 6 million athletes in more than 190 countries.

Mission and Goals- To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities, giving them opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

    The goals of Special Olympics include promoting inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities, improving their physical fitness and overall health, and fostering a sense of community and friendship.

 

Sports offered for Special Olympics-  Athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, cycling, equestrian, figure skating, floor hockey, football (soccer), golf, gymnastics, power-lifting, snowshoeing, softball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball. 

Eligibility and participation- Athletes must have an intellectual disability, a cognitive delay, or a developmental disability that is, functional limitations in both general learning and adaptive skills. Participation is free of charge.

Impact of Special Olympics

    Providing them with opportunities to develop physical fitness, social skills, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging.

 

Paralympic Games, a major international multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities, held every four years in the same year as the Olympic Games.

 

History- First Special Olympics games were held in Chicago, Illinois, with about 1,000 athletes from 26 states and Canada participating. Today, Special Olympics has grown into a global movement with over 6 million athletes in more than 190 countries.

 

Mission and goals- To enable athletes with disabilities to achieve sporting excellence and inspire and excite the world. The goals of the Paralympic Games include promoting inclusion and acceptance of people with disabilities, showcasing the achievements of athletes with disabilities, and promoting positive attitudes towards disability. 

 

Sports offered- Athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, cycling, equestrian, figure skating, floor hockey, football (soccer), golf, gymnastics, powerlifting, snowshoeing, softball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball.

 

Eligibility and participation- Athletes must have a physical, visual, or intellectual disability that results in a significant limitation in function. Athletes are classified into different categories. 

Impact of the Paralympics- Providing them with opportunities to develop physical fitness, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging. 

 

Deaflympics, are international multi-sport event for deaf and hard of hearing athletes, held every four years.

 

History- First held in Paris, France in 1924 and were known as the “International Silent Games”. Deaflympics were created by Eugène Rubens-Alcais, a deaf Frenchman who wanted to provide deaf athletes with an opportunity to compete in sports at an international level. 

Mission and goals- To provide deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes with an opportunity to compete at an international level and showcase their athletic abilities. The goals of the Deaflympics include promoting inclusion and acceptance of deaf and hard-of-hearing people, and providing opportunities for them to develop physical fitness, social skills, and self-esteem.

Sports offered- Athletics, basketball, beach volleyball, bowling, cycling, football (soccer), handball, judo, karate, mountain biking, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis and wrestling.

 

Eligibility and participation- Athletes must have a hearing loss of at least 55 decibels in their better ear. Athletes are classified into different categories based on the degree of their hearing loss.

 

Impact of the Deaflympics- On the lives of deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes, providing them with opportunities to develop physical fitness, social skills, and self-esteem. Also helped to break down stereotypes and promote inclusion and acceptance of deaf and hard-of-hearing people in communities around the world.

Advantages of physical activities for children with special needs

1. Improved physical health- Regular physical activity can improve overall health and fitness, including cardiovascular health, muscular strength, and flexibility.

2. Increased socialization- Physical activities provide opportunities for children with special needs to interact with peers, make new friends, and develop social skills.

3. Enhanced emotional well-being- Physical activity can help reduce stress and anxiety, and promote a sense of well-being and happiness.

4. Improved cognitive function- Physical activity can improve cognitive function, including attention, memory, and problem-solving skills.

5. Reduced behavioral problems- Physical activity can help reduce behavioral problems in children with special needs, including hyperactivity and aggression.

6. Increased self-confidence- Through physical activity, children with special needs can develop a sense of accomplishment, which can boost self-confidence and self-esteem.

7. Increased independence- Physical activity can help children with special needs develop important skills for daily living, such as self-care, mobility, and independence.

8. Improved academic performance.

Overall, physical activity is an important aspect of a healthy lifestyle for all children, including those with special needs. It provides many physical, social, emotional, and cognitive benefits that can help improve overall quality of life.

Strategies to make physical activities assessable for children with special needs

1. Provide appropriate equipment- For example, children with mobility impairments may need adaptive equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, or specialized bicycles.

2. Adapt the environment- Make sure that the environment is safe and accessible. For example, provide ramps or lifts for children who use wheelchairs, and make sure that the area is free of obstacles and hazards.

3. Modify activities- Modify activities to make them more accessible for the child. For example, provide a smaller or lighter ball for children with limited motor skills, or modify rules to allow for more breaks or slower pace.

4. Use visual aids- such as pictures, diagrams, and videos to help the child understand and follow instructions.

5. Provide clear instructions- Use clear and concise instructions that are easy for the child to understand.

6. Provide support- Provide support such as a personal assistant, coach, or therapist to assist the child during physical activities.

7. Encourage participation and Focus on the child's strengths.

8. Include social opportunities-      Provide opportunities for the child to socialize with peers and participate in group activities.

Overall, making physical activities accessible for children with special needs requires careful planning and adaptation of the environment, equipment, and activities to meet the child's individual needs. Providing appropriate support and encouragement can help ensure that the child has a positive experience and benefits from physical activity.