Description
The presentation opened with Virginie Pollet expressing gratitude for the introduction and the opportunity to discuss a topic close to her heart—sports participation for children with disabilities. She acknowledged the impact of the 2012 Paralympics on fostering sports participation among the disabled, noting that despite approximately 15-16% of the global population having a disability, many children still lack access to grassroots sports.
Pollet emphasized the barriers stemming from a lack of information and awareness among parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers regarding available sports opportunities for disabled children. She briefly described the classification system used in Paralympic sports, which categorizes athletes based on their impairments to ensure fair competition.
She highlighted important areas regarding the benefits and limitations of sports participation for children with disabilities and opened her discussion to questions about exercise programs that enhance functional performance.
Through a literature review, she mentioned findings from 26 articles that explored the limitations and benefits of sports for children with neuro-disabilities, identifying key facilitators of participation such as individualized instruction and early engagement in sports. Pollet also discussed the importance of supportive environments that foster understanding among peers and coaches to mitigate bullying and enhance inclusivity in sports.
A significant part of her presentation addressed the physiological advantages of sports for disabled children, citing studies advocating high-intensity interval training (HIIT) as effective for improving physical fitness in conditions like cerebral palsy. She touched upon the need for individualized training plans and highlighted that enjoyment and social well-being are crucial metrics often overlooked in research.
In closing, Pollet presented a compelling narrative about a disabled athlete who turned negativity from bullying into a proactive challenge for awareness and inclusion, underscoring the holistic approach needed in treating and enhancing the lives of children with disabilities through sports.