Singapore Disability Sports Council
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Types of Disability Sports
Through the works of modification and creative minds, the world now has plenty of sports which can help a disabled person develop a healthy lifestyle. Here are some of them:
Archery
A test of accuracy, strength and concentration, archers shoot at a target marked with ten scoring zones, from a set distance. Singles, doubles and team events are held in the Paralympics. Archery is open to all persons with a physical disability (including spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, amputee and les autres). Special guidance is available for the visually-impaired as well.
Athletics (Track & Field, Wheelchair Racing)
Being disabled does not mean one will never feel speed, strength, power and endurance again. There are many athletic activities which can bring a disabled person a rush of adrenaline, such as javelin, discus, shot-put, marathons and wheelchair racing. This is also the sport which draws the largest number of participants and spectators at the Paralympics. Athletics is open to all disability groups.
Boccia
A sport which dates back to ancient times, boccia is one of the fastest growing Paralympic sports. It tests muscle control, accuracy and concentration levels, as one tries to throw or bowl game balls to land as close as possible to a small white target ball called ‘Jack’. Boccia is open to persons, with cerebral palsy or related neurological conditions, using wheelchairs.
Horse riding
Horse riding athletes display their horsemanship skills as they command their horses to walk, trot or canter. They compete in Championship Tests of set movements, Freestyle Tests to music or Team Tests. Horse riding is open to persons with a physical disability or a visual impairment. Compensating aids such as whips, rein bars, rubber bands are permitted.
Lawn Bowls
Lawn bowls is no longer included in the Paralympics, but there are regular world championships conducted. The game is played on a level, grassed or synthetic surface called a green. Two competitors or teams consisting of two, three or four players compete to throw their balls as close as possible to a white ball called ‘Jack’. Lawn bowls is open to persons with all types of physical or visual disability, of all ages.
Powerlifting
Powerlifting is the ultimate test of upper body strength. Competitors must lower the bar to the chest, hold it motionless before lifting it to arms length and locking elbows. Powerlifting is open to persons with cerebral palsy, sinal cord injuries, lower limb amputees and les autres who meet the minimal disability criteria.
Sailing
For people who love the freedom of the sea and sound of the waves, sailing is an optimal option. Sailing became a full medal Paralympic sport in 2000. Keelboats are handled by one, two or three persons. Sailing is open to all disability groups.
Soccer
Soccer, one of the world’s most watched sports, demands speed, agility and impressive ball handling skills. The sport has been part of the Paralympics since 1984. For the disabled, there are seven players to a team rather than the usual 11. The field is also smaller. There is no offside rule and throw-ins may only be made with one hand. Soccer is intended for persons with cerebral palsy.
Swimming
Swimming was first used in rehabilitative and physiotherapy programmes for disabled persons. Over the years, it has grown into one of the largest and most popular sports in the Paralympics. Competitors pit their skills in Freestyle, Backstroke, Butterfly, Breaststroke and Medley events. Swimming is open to all disability groups.
Table Tennis
Table tennis is enjoyed by persons of all disability groups, except the visually-impaired.
Wheelchair Basketball
This is one high profile sport at the Paralympics. Court size, ball size and basket rings are the same as basketball for the able-bodied. However, to maintain possession, a player with the ball cannot push on the wheels of the wheelchair more than twice before dribbling. Wheelchair basketball is designed for persons with disabilities that prevent running, jumping and pivoting.
Wheelchair Tennis
One of the fastest growing sports for the disabled in Singapore, wheelchair tennis follows traditional tennis rules with no modifications to racquets or balls. However, players are allowed two bounces of the ball. The first bounce has to be within the bounds of the court. Wheelchair tennis is open to persons with mobility-related disabilities.
There are many other disability sports like volleyball, wheelchair fencing, wheelchair rugby, golf and bowling. The only limitation is imagination. Email us to find out what is available for you, your friend or family.