Low self-esteem and a lack of confidence can plague persons with disabilities. Allowing them to have equal access to sports can enhance their gross motor
Skills, social and communicating abilities, as well as improve their overall health and well-being. Persons with disabilities will mature physically,
Socially and emotionally when participating in a recreational activity.
The ability to perform controlled movements that require large muscles is known as gross motor skills. Movements that involve using the large muscles include
Walking, running, crawling or jumping. Often persons with special needs lack the ability to perform physical movements properly. When persons with disabilities
Participate in regular physical activity; it enhances their motor skills by increasing their strength, coordination, flexibility and balance.
Persons with disabilities frequently miss out on social activities, impeding their ability to better their communication skills. Participation in extracurricular
Activities can overcome this obstacle, providing them with the ability to engage in social interactions, develop friendships and initiate social skills. Persons who suffer with disabilities often struggle with a lack of self-esteem. They frequently will compare themselves with their able-bodied peers,
Giving them a decreased sense of self-worth. Recreational participation promotes their self-concept, self-esteem and self-worth, as well as their body
Awareness. Many persons with disabilities will also show improvements in their academics. The confidence that is gained from the ability to attain success in sports will make them feel like they are capable of achieving almost anything.
The Sri Lanka Foundation for Rehabilitation of the Disabled (SLFRD) has been promoting sports for persons with disabilities for a long period of time. In May 2017 SLFRD formed the “Rehab Lanka Sports Club” to promote sports and recreation for persons with disabilities. Club will Groom the young sportsman for future tournaments nationally and internationally. The executive committee of the Sports Club is as follows:
President – Ms. Rasanjali Pathirage
Secretary – Mr. Prasanna Lal
Treasurer – Mr. Chamila Kariyawasam
Vice President – Ms. Manique Gunaratne
Membership & Social Secretary – Ms. Subhani Udeshika
Executive Committee Members –
Ms. Wajira Ramani
Mr. Dumira Maduranga
Picture descriptions for vision impaired persons:
1 AGM of the Sports Club
2 Election of office barers.
3 Executive committee members
4 Group photograph.
5 At the AGM
Manique Gunaratne
National Campaigner for Rights of Women with Disabilities – Raising Our Voices for Us
