Participation
Participation - the importance of awareness and first involvement for Athlete's with disabilities Long Term Athlete Development
Being aware of opportunities to participate in sport is crucial to the process of getting involved in that sport. The first few introductions to the sport are also very important to determining whether someone will stay involved. For individuals with a disability, we need to consider additional barriers that may exist for a person with a disability. Barriers start with trying to find info on programs, transportation to that program, having access to facilities and programs, having appropriate equipment, the opportunity to connect with a trained and supportive leader or coach, and finding a sport they enjoy. If all these barriers are addressed and they try the sport, a negative experience may quickly turn them off and they may give up sport all together.
Sport for Life offers some additional information on the importance of these two stages and checklists to address Awareness and First Involvement. www.sportforlife.ca
Supporting athletes with a disability at all levels of your organization, at the core, is the same: Focus on their abilities but understand their unique needs; provide a safe and supportive environment to train, compete and flourish as an athlete; guide them along the pathway to the level they want to reach.
ACTIONS
- Use the CDPP Quality of Participation Blueprint as a tool
- Foster meaning: encourage athletes to offer peer support or mentorship
- Foster belonging: group athletes together based on shared goals and keep them together over time
- Foster engagement: encourage family members to get involved by joining a committee (e.g., fundraising) or taking on a sport-related role (e.g., coaches, referees)
- Be clear about your Para Readiness and your limitations
- Host or attend a try-it day or Para development weekend in your clubs/Province or Territory.