The power of sport for the human brain is a very interesting phenomena.
Many start a sport in their very young life as a child – it might be football, rugby or even cricket. This will help kids to learn many skills: working as a team or boosting social abilities and making friends they may have for life.
I was never really into playing sports as a kid and I think that stems from many things – I was never the fastest runner in the playground for one and secondly as I am different, I am not sure I would have fitted in. However, I was aware of football and certain players that played at my birth city’s team at the time. I also really didn’t like PE at school much.
Jumping forward to the present day I am playing football with several groups and I really enjoy it. When we had lockdown I was angry I couldn’t go to any football because it is my escape from real life – I can forget I am disabled and play to my heart’s content.
I think that everyone should have an opportunity to be involved in sport because it helps to keep you fit and healthy and it is scientifically proven that doing something you enjoy release endorphins which stimulate the brain and make us feel happy. After a day in the office, it is good to do a sport as that will help to alleviate stress as well as help the heart.
There is still not enough pathways into sport for disabled people of both genders because the government won’t fund the groups sadly. As a female, I am also concerned that sport is too male dominated and there needs to be an action on the sports industry for ladies teams and activities. After all, being a female is not all about hair, nails and make up all the time!
I can’t do it alone – there’s a huge number of disabled people that are being left out and just have nowhere to call their own. Hopefully in time, there will be something because we can’t let the next generation of kids down.
Let’s help sports groups to be more accommodating and raise awareness that being disabled doesn’t mean they have to be left out!