Adapted Sports Inspired by the Paralympics…

The true inspiration of the sporting calendar returns this autumn. With courage, strength and determination on show, the Paralympics provides inspiration more than any other sporting event in the world.

It goes without saying that this is a great time to inspire children, get them active and introduce them to new sports. Likewise, it is ideal for demonstrating resilience and getting children of all abilities to engage in sport with the rest of the class.

There are many sports that feature in the Paralympics that can be used in schools and playgrounds to involve the whole class and create effective and engaging games. These are known as inclusive sports and can be played by both abled bodied and disabled children, allowing different abilities to play together evenly. Examples of such sports are goalball, boccia and sitting volleyball.

Learn how to play each game below and introduce them in your PE lessons and school clubs:

Goalball

Goalball is played with two teams and requires all players to wear a blindfold. The aim of the game is to roll a ball with fitted with a bell into the oppositions goal, therefore using only sound to locate the ball. The team defending can use any part of their body to stop the ball.

A skilful game that will develop balance, coordination, agility and sensory skills.

Sitting Volleyball

Sitting volleyball is a fun and fast version of volleyball where all players must remain seated whilst passing the ball over a low net. The ball must land within a court and must only bounce once.

It is one of the fastest, most exciting games in the Paralympics.

Great for developing individual key skills such as hand eye coordination and team skills such as communication.

Boccia

Boccia can be played individually or in teams and requires all players to be seated whilst they roll a ball towards a target jack. Players can roll the ball free hand or use a boccia ramp. The idea of the game is to roll the ball closer to the jack than the opposition.

A strategic game which requires coordination and tactical thinking.

Introducing inclusive sports into lessons can benefit the class in many ways. Not only does it get children active and playing sport, it brings children of all abilities together, improves the lives of children mentally and improves self-esteem and confidence.

Introduce inclusive sport into your PE lessons to involve the whole class with active, fun and exciting games. Link them to the Paralympics to develop inspiration and excitement and create tournaments and competitions to encourage team work, communication and leadership.