Did you watch our athletes recently compete at the INAS Global Games in Brisbane last month? If not, you aren’t the only one to have missed it, with a distinct lack of disability sports within the mainstream media.
The INAS Global Games are the world’s largest sporting event for athletes with intellectual disability and were recently held in Australia for the first time, with athletes from over 48 countries competing. In case you missed it, you can catch the highlights from our amazing athletes and their achievements here or read more here.
Inclusion in Sport
Intellectual disability is not always visible and individuals can experience unique challenges when it comes to participating in sport. Typical barriers may include a lack of opportunity and specialised programs, a lack of awareness on how to get involved and limited information and resources. In Australia, a child is diagnosed with an intellectual disability every 2 hours (1), with approximately 3% of Australians currently diagnosed with an intellectual disability (2). Increased representation of disability in mainstream media and increased awareness of sporting opportunities for those with a disability will play a pivotal role in the health culture of individuals with a disability – providing not only awareness as to the benefits of regular physical activity but also increased social connections, community participation not to mention the physical benefits of being more physically active if people get involved.
How can you get involved?
Staying physically active and eating a healthy diet is essential for sport, fitness and performance. Chat to one of our exercise physiologists or dietitian’s about how they can tailor a program to meet your interests and needs so that you can start paving the way for a healthier you and a healthier, happier disability community. If you are wondering how to show your support for inclusive sport you could join in the Soar & Roar Fundraiser in December to raise money for Special Olympics Australia. Click to find out more here about the event, which is free to attend and sure to be plenty of fun!
Rebecca Lancaster
Accredited Practising Dietitian
References:
- Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC), 2011. ‘Disability expectations – Investing in a better life, a stronger Australia’.
- Australian Bureau of Statistics. 2014. Intellectual Disability, Australia, 2012 – 4433.0.55.003. Accessed online 31/10/19 at https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4433.0.55.003main+features102012