Recently, our members Jose and Nico visited the Colegio Internacional Costa Adeje for an educational day that lasted for two hours, full of learning and fun. The main objective of the visit was to raise awareness among the students about the importance of sport in general and specifically for people with reduced mobility.
Introduction to Sport Wheelchairs
The session began with an explanation of how sports wheelchairs work. Jose and Nico explained the differences between the various chairs, highlighting the differences between sports wheelchairs and everyday wheelchairs. While sports wheelchairs are specifically designed to provide stability, mobility and safety for athletes, wheelchairs for everyday use must meet the challenges of everyday life.
The Value of Sport
The next topic addressed was the positive impact of sport on the lives of people with reduced mobility. Jose and Nico spoke in depth about four key areas where sport makes a significant difference: social benefits, autonomy, health and self-esteem.
Social Benefits
Sport facilitates social integration, enabling people with reduced mobility to actively participate in community activities and establish new relationships. Team sports, such as wheelchair basketball or wheelchair tennis, promote teamwork and camaraderie, creating a sense of belonging and mutual support among participants.
Autonomy
Playing sports fosters independence and self-confidence. By learning and honing new skills, athletes develop a greater ability to manage their own lives more autonomously. This translates into better management of daily tasks and a greater sense of control over their circumstances.
Health
Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good physical and mental health. Sport not only improves cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength, but also contributes to psychological well-being, reducing stress and improving mood.
Self-esteem
Participating in sports can have a profound impact on a person’s self-esteem. Overcoming challenges, achieving goals and receiving recognition for athletic accomplishments strengthens self-confidence and self-image. The sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction that come with playing sports are invaluable for emotional development.
Interactive Talk and Practical Experience
Followed by the theoretical presentation, our partners organized an interactive talk in which the students shared their knowledge about adapted sports. This interaction allowed the children to better understand the experiences and challenges faced by people with reduced mobility.
The activity culminated with a fun practice where students had the opportunity to try out the sports chairs in different games. The children participated in activities such as zigzagging, reversing and direction changes, and also experienced a bit of wheelchair tennis. This hands-on experience was not only educational, but also proved to be a lot of fun for all participants.
Summary
The visit to the Costa Adeje International School was an enriching experience for both the students and the educators themselves. The combination of theory and practice allowed the children to understand the importance of adapted sport and appreciate the benefits it offers. These types of initiatives are crucial to foster a more inclusive and aware society, where everyone can enjoy the benefits of sport, regardless of their physical abilities. An educational and fun experience for all!
