Whether you're a person with a disability or you know someone who is, you know that sports can be an incredibly important part of life.

Sports are a great way to stay active and keep your body fit, and they can also help build confidence and make new friends. But what if you or your loved one has trouble moving around? You might think it's too hard or inconvenient to get out there and play.

That's why we've rounded up a list of 7 sports activities for persons with disabilities (PwDs)! These sports are great for anyone who wants to get active and have fun while doing it.

1. Wheelchair Basketball

Basketball is a sport enjoyed by people of all abilities, and wheelchair basketball is no different. This type of basketball is specifically designed for people who have disabilities that affect their lower halves. Examples of such conditions include amputations, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, and accidents.

While wheelchair basketball may seem like it would be difficult to play, it is actually surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it. The key is to maintain full control of your shoulders, forearms, belly, and chest while using your wheelchair to your advantage. Professional wheelchair basketball games are played on standard-sized courts with 10-foot hoops, but if you're playing for fun there may be some alterations to accommodate your needs.

Wheelchair basketball not only provides a great way to have fun and socialize with others, but it also strengthens your lower limbs. When scoring, you'll need to push your feet against the floor in order to elevate your body off the seat of the wheelchair. It's important to monitor your body's height so that you don't fall too hard when releasing the ball.

2. Goalball

The Paralympic sport of goalball is specifically designed for blind and visually impaired athletes. The game is played with a ball that has bells inside, so that the players can hear it as it moves. Three players on each team line up behind their own goal and try to score by throwing the ball into the other team's net. Defenders try to block the ball with their bodies.

Goalball is a great sport for blind people because it gives them an opportunity to compete on an equal playing field with others who have similar visual impairments. The sport also requires split-second timing and communication between teammates, which helps to develop important life skills. 

Additionally, goalball is a very social sport and provides an enjoyable way for blind people to interact with others.

3. Deaf Basketball 

Deaf basketball is a great sport for deaf people. It is a fast-paced, exciting game that requires quick thinking and good hand-eye coordination. Deaf players can communicate easily with each other on the court through sign language, and they have an excellent sense of timing and spatial awareness.

Deaf basketball is also a great way for deaf people to socialize and meet new friends. Many deaf athletes find that their teammates become like family, and the camaraderie of playing together can be very rewarding. In addition, participating in sports can help build confidence and promote positive self-esteem.

4. Blind cricket

Blind cricket is a game that has been adapted for visually challenged players. The game follows most of the original regulations, but there have been some rule adjustments made in order to accommodate the needs of visually impaired players. 

One such adjustment is that Blind cricket requires underarm bowling. This allows the ball to be released at a slower speed, making it easier for the batter to hit. Another adjustment is that, before reaching the batter, the ball must pitch twice. This gives the batter more time to react and prepare for the delivery. Additionally, blind cricket batsmen usually utilize a sweep stroke to hit the ball, as this allows them to make contact with it more easily. 

Finally, the boundaries are typically shorter in blind cricket than they are in regular cricket; 45 yards minimum and 55 yards maximum is typical. These shorter boundaries make it easier for fielders to stop balls that are hit near them. Overall, blind cricket is a sport that has been adapted so that visually impaired people can enjoy it just as much as those with full sightedness!

5. Para-cycling

With the debut of the Paralympics in 1988, para-cycling became an official sport for athletes with a visual or physical handicap. The sport is practiced on both a track (velodrome) and on the road, and includes sprints, individual pursuits, the 1,000-meter time trial, road races and road time trials.

For visually impaired cyclists, tandem bikes are used with a pilot sitting in front steering and controlling the bike. The pilot tells the cyclist when to start pedalling and when to change gears. Disabled races use tricycles or hand bikes.

Para-cycling made its Paralympic debut in Seoul in 1988 with only road events contested. Atlanta 1996 saw the addition of track events to the Paralympic program. Para-cycling medals have been won at every Paralympics since 1988 except Athens 2004.

6. Ice Sledge Racing

While ice sled racing might not be the first sport that comes to mind when thinking about how disabled people can enjoy winter sports, it is in fact a para-lympic sport that many persons with disabilities can participate in and enjoy.

One of the great things about ice sled racing is that it doesn't require a lot of expensive equipment or training - all you need is a lightweight sledge and two poles, which makes it a very accessible sport. And while it might seem daunting at first, once you get out on the rink, you'll quickly discover just how much fun ice sledding can be.

That said, anyone can enjoy Ice Sledge Racing regardless of their skill level or experience.

7. Showdown

Showdown is a sport that was created specifically for blind and partially sighted people. It is played on a table similar to an air hockey table, but with a transparent screen above it. The paddles and BB-filled ball give auditory indications of their whereabouts, so players can use their other senses to keep track of the game. To level the playing field, all participants must wear opaque goggles.

The game is primarily goal-oriented, with each goal scoring two points. Other infractions such as striking the ball on the centreboard or off the table will also get points. Because it relies heavily on sound, Showdown is a great way for blind people to stay active and have fun while doing so.

Conclusion

In conclusion, persons with disabilities can get a lot of benefit from playing sports. From the mental stimulation of a challenge to the physical benefits of exercise, there are many reasons why it's important for persons with disabilities (PwDs) to get involved in sports. What sports do you like to play? Which ones inspire you?! Write to us  - at contactus@thesayfoundation.com. We will feature your posts and articles on our website.