1. Chapter 14 Special Populations and Sport

2. Chapter Outline Americans with Disabilities Act
American Association of People with Disabilities
Sport Participation for Athletes With Physical Disabilities
(continued)

3. Chapter Outline (continued)
Sport Participation for Athletes With Mental Disabilities
Sport Participation for Older Athletes
Issues for Special Populations in Sport
Chapter Summary

4. Special Populations in the United States
More than 54 million people have at least one mental or physical disability.
Almost 100 million Americans are older than 50.
These populations are discriminated against and excluded.
Physical activity has benefits that are important to their quality of life, just like the general population!

5. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
U.S. law enacted in 1990.
Eliminates discrimination in several areas.
Employment
Government
Public accommodations
Telecommunications
Transportation

6. Implications of ADA for Sport
Dramatic change in sport opportunities
More representation for programs for people with disabilities by governing bodies
Mainstreaming into regular sport programs
Because degree of disability ranges widely, sport programs conduct their activities with this range in mind more often.

7. Growth of the Paralympics
Games for athletes who have amputations, visual impairment, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, MS, dwarfism, and others.
1960 inaugural games were in Rome, Italy.
400 athletes from 23 countries participated.
Today, over 5,000 athletes from 120 countries in Summer Paralympics.
International Paralympic Committee leads.

8. Paralympics in United States
Division of USOC, founded in 2001.
Manages 18 sports, funding over $23 million.
Mission: To be the world leader in the Paralympic movement by developing comprehensive and sustainable elite programs for our athletes. To utilize our Olympic and Paralympic platform to promote excellence in the lives of persons with disabilities.

9. Special Olympics
Includes athletes with intellectual disabilities, cognitive delays, significant learning disabilities, or vocational problems.
Represents 185 countries, 1.7 million athletes.
(continued)

10. Special Olympics (continued)
First games were in Chicago, with 1,000 athletes.
Goal is to improve fitness, develop skills, and increase confidence and self-image.
Special Olympic World Games every four years.

11. Discussion Do you have friends or family who are disabled?
What are their experiences in sport and physical activity?

12. Statistics on Older Adults
In United States, more than 81 million adults between age
40 million over age 65. This number will grow rapidly (baby boomers).
Adults over 55 control 70% of the net worth of U.S. households.
They have twice the discretionary spending of younger market segments.

13. Sport Participation for Older Adults
Associations
AARP
International Council on Active Aging (ICAA)
Performance sports
Masters, senior tours
In 2010, 15,000 athletes in the National Summer Senior Games in Houston
1% decline a year in physical ability from age 50 to 80, then more rapid

14. Sport Participation Trends for Older Adults
Huge increase in physical activity and sports for the over-50 group.
Definition of old age changing, along with expectations.
Increase in lifetime activities: Swimming, tennis, walking, golf, yoga, dance.
Communities offer inexpensive programs.
More opportunity with minimum age limits.

15. Discussion
What physical activities do you expect to be performing when you are over 55?
Will you compete for high performance or for fun?
Do you engage in that activity now?

16. Issues for Special Populations
Acceptance
Funding and organizational support
Community program opportunities
Trainers, coaches, administrators, officials
Equipment
Inclusion with other populations
Media support