Sports and Competition

Sports offer many opportunities for people to make the best use of their abilities, to become part of a cooperative team effort, to experience the joy, and sometimes the misery, of winning and losing. Plus, competing in sports is simply fun.

Competition prepares individuals to face adversity in their lives and to learn to respond affirmatively in the face of challenge and change.

There are numerous options for athletes who are paralyzed to compete, at the local ball field, rink, gym or track, even in the elite venues of the Paralympics.

Some sports require great physical conditioning, such as basketball and tennis. Others, including billiards and sailing are more tactical.

People in wheelchairs race their chairs, handbikes, automobiles, sailboats, you name it. They lift weights, jump over ramps on water skis, play football in parking lots, shoot rifles and play hockey. The possibilities are endless. If you’ve got an interest in almost any sport you can name, there are people out there ready to give you a game. There is no reason to sit on the sidelines.

Rehab professionals stress the importance of sports and recreation in the successful transition of individuals with disabilities. Disability, spinal cord injury and paralysis can cause people to experience a loss of confidence and depression, to become alienated from family and friends. Sports offer the opportunity for success, which can lead to self-confidence and a focus on what is possible instead of what can no longer be done.