Context

Currently, there are approximately 1 billion persons with disabilities in the world, or 15 per cent of the global population.      United Nations, World Disability Report, June 2011

Nearly 1-in-6 Americans ages 5 years and older have at least one disability. Only 12% of adults with a disability meet the minimum physical activity recommendations of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity 5 or more days/week or 20 minutes of rigorous activity at least 3 days/week. Physical inactivity among people who have a disability has been linked to an increase in the severity of disability and decrease involvement in the community.      Centers for Disease Control, Washington, 2010

Exercise and sports participation can be used as a therapeutic and preventative intervention for enhancing the physical and mental health. It also can enhance mental health by offering positive feelings about self-esteem, tangible experiences of competency and success, and increased self-confidence.     President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports

Sport has the power to change the lives of persons living with a disability in an equally profound way, by empowering them to realize their full potential and advocate for change in society. Through sport, persons with disabilities acquire vital social skills, develop independence, and become empowered to act as agents of change. Sport teaches individuals how to communicate effectively and highlights the significance of teamwork, cooperation and respect for others. Sport is also well-suited to reducing dependence and developing greater independence by helping persons with disabilities become physically and mentally stronger. These skills can be transferred into other arenas including employment and advocacy work to further self-sufficiency.      United Nations, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, May 2008

People with disabilities are less likely to engage in regular moderate physical activity than people without disabilities yet they have similar needs to promote their health and prevent unnecessary diseases. Social support from family and friends has been consistently and positively related to regular physical activity.      US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and the Presidents Council of Physical Fitness and Sports, 2008