Content
Skip To Navigation Skip to Content
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregedivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregafgivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
 

NCHPAD - Building Healthy Inclusive Communities

Font Size:

Lifetime Leisure


Eric was a twelve year-old boy with Down syndrome and significant overweight. Although he had quite a competitive nature, he was rarely successful. His weight and lack of movement experience made sports difficult. However, he joined Special Olympics (www.specialolympics.org) and began to appreciate not only what he could do, but also that he could improve his performance. Weight loss remained a constant challenge for Eric, but he did gain strength and endurance and began to participate in special recreation programs. Unlike Bobby, whose increased fitness involvement led to improved self esteem, Eric got the self-esteem bump first which led him to take an interest in fitness improvement.

However, of greater importance is the observation that programs exist in many communities, which may provide for a lifetime of productive healthy leisure pursuits. In the general population there has long been an open door to lifetime leisure activities. These include individual and dual sports like golf and tennis, aerobic exercise classes, etc. Team sports, usually available through the school years, are not typically considered lifetime sports. Many programs exist for people with developmental disabilities, which provide lifetime opportunities to participate.

Become familiar with the resources available in the community and beyond. All school children should have a physical educator, who may be consulted. Health clubs and YMCA/YWCA's (YMCA/YWCA link) provide fitness classes. Explore the availability of such services for your children. Special Olympics is active virtually everywhere and continues to develop health-related programs beyond just the competitive events. Most park districts or municipal recreation programs provide access to "special recreation" enterprises.


blog comments powered by Disqus