Promoting Youth Sports

Participation in sports by children and youth with a disability is important for several reasons. The most important reason to promote youth sports is the personal benefits to participants, such as health, physical fitness, skill development, self-concept, friends, and fun. Another important reason is the development of elite athletes for international competitions such as the Paralympic Games and Deaflympics.

Children and youth with a disability and their families are frequently frustrated in their attempts to locate physical activity and sport programs.  Also, many teachers, coaches, recreation leaders, and physicians simply do not know where to refer the child with a disability who is interested in sports. Disability sports organizations are often restricted from disseminating information to children in schools because of confidentiality concerns about disability status.