The summer is quickly approaching which means Sports is something that parents will be looking into very soon. So you’re probably wondering what best sports work for my special needs child and how will be able to play. Well, sports can be made fun with adapted equipment, rules, run, and environment. Just check out this special needs baseball team back in action! So let’s take a look at the top ten sports that are great for children with disabilities and why they would be a great fit for your child this summer 2024.
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Why Sports Are Important For Kids?
Sports help children shape their mental and physical bodies. They become more aware of their surroundings when playing sports, learn to work together as a team, and build cooperation and social skills when working together as a group. Sports are a great way for children with special needs to have a sense of achievement and work towards a goal as well. So let’s look at some popular sports below for children with special needs.
Soccer – Sports for Children with Disabilities
Soccer is the most popular sport in the entire world. What I love about this sport is that you can use every part of your body except for your hands unless you’re the goalie of course. This sport teaches children with special needs to have great hand-eye coordination when running up and down the field with the ball, responsibly, decision-making, anticipatory thinking, and perseverance.
Cheerleading
Cheerleading is a great sport for children with special girls and boys because it teaches flexibility, tumbling, and jumping skills which may be easy for the regular typical child but not for a child with a disability. Cheerleading also requires teamwork of course, but also forces your child to practice sequencing just like when reading books.
Basketball – Sports for Children with Disabilities
Basketball is a very popular sport in the United States and has made a huge impact on other countries, especially India. Basketball is a great sport to help children with special needs thrive in because it teaches children to work together in small groups. Basketball also teaches confidence and obedience.
Swimming – Sports for Children with Disabilities
Swimming is a great way to build fine and gross motor skills. Swimming is great for children with special needs because it provides them with a sense of freedom when in the water, and forces them to focus on their breathing skills. It also teaches them to blow bubbles, build endurance, maintain a healthy weight, heart, and lungs as well as tone the body.
Gymnastics
Special needs gymnastics is a great way to get your child involved in a life-changing sport that will not only build their confidence but also build their dedication and nutritional values as well. This summer sport is great for helping your special needs kid through discipline, balancing skills, and toughness just look at these girls below.
Track & Field
Track and field was always one of my favorite sports growing up because it has multiple sports within a sport meaning you can run and throw objects. Track is a great way to get your special needs child active because while running it requires your child to focus on their breathing techniques. It also builds their confidence level, discipline, strength, and endurance. Be sure to check out the track and field programs near you for your child.
Conclusion
Overall, including your child in any sports of course comes with precautions when selecting the right program. However, all of these sports this summer of 2024 have made it easier for children and people with disabilities to join and become more active in their daily lives.
