Sports : Ensuring Equal Opportunities for Children with Special Needs

PVSW CHILDREN PLAYING AT BEAGLES BASKETBALL INDOOR STADIUM MALLESHWARAM

Children blossom with extra-curricular activities. Unfortunately, recreation, hobbies, extra-curricular activities are getting tougher and competitive and losing their charm due many reasons. We grew up playing seven stones, galli cricket but alas, there is no space to play these activities any more. It is a medical fact that everyone should get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day and every child is given the opportunity to learn, play, and thrive. Participating in sports helps not just in physical development, but has many hidden pluses. Sports improve memory, learning, problem-solving, and socialisation. All these are life skills which help in future life and workplace behaviour, bringing about a huge boost to self confidence.

This is especially true for children with special needs, who often face unique challenges in accessing these opportunities. The world is now becoming increasingly aware of diversity and inclusivity, but children with special needs have to battle their own problems of health, learning, coping with life skills and also strive to be included in a world which is highly competitive. Physical activity helps in manage weight which is often an issue with children with special needs.

Break Down Barriers – Create Inclusive Environment
There are many barriers, some are physical, such as inaccessible playgrounds, or social, such as exclusion by peers/society. By making simple changes we can create a more inclusive environment where all children can play together, learn from each other, and build lasting friendships

Creating opportunities for sports/play requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including parents, educators, policymakers, and the community at large. This may involve making physical modifications to playgrounds to make them more accessible, providing training to teachers on inclusive practices, and promoting awareness and acceptance of children with special needs among peers.

Let’s join hands together to create these opportunities.

In such a world, we have found a rainbow.

A case in Study : Tamahar Trust experimented with taking their young adults with special needs to Beagles basketball court, Malleswaram. On day 1, out of 6, one of them started playing as he had some experience playing at his apartment block. The rest just picked up the ball and were found running around. They were not given any instructions, or goals. The coach wanted them to enjoy the experience, have fun. From the 3rd day onwards, coach gave one or two instructions and let them continue their uninhibited play. On day 6, four of them were able to put the ball in the basket. They were beaming, full of pride, enjoying the experience and wanted to play every day!!

We are thankful to Beagles for providing this opportunity to our children. We also want to extend our thanks to Dr. Ashwathnarayan Gowda – MLA, former Dy CM, Manjunath Raju (ex-corporator and Beagles trust vice chairman) for supporting this endeavour. We hope to get their ongoing support and are able to provide this opportunity to many more.