Inclusion in Sport and Physical Activity

Everyone in Canada should have the opportunity to participate in sport and physical activity. It a recent ParticipACTION forum it was pointed out that those with disability can be expanded to those with limited access due to items like strollers or walkers. When this is taken into account statistics that state 1 in 6 Canadians have a disability can increase to much more. As a result it is important to create environments of inclusion making sure that activities are available and accessible to everyone.

A great resource that provides an overview of how to play a sport as well as modify it for inclusion is available on the Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability website. Anything from badminton to triathlon can be adapted for inclusion.

Benefits for those with disability from participation in sport and physical activity include improvements in health and well-being, improved self-esteem and self-confidence, and improve mood. Inclusion in sport is researched in developing countries as well.

Practical resources are available that provide information on inclusion.

Easy Adaptation and Universal Design: All Abilities Welcome
Recreation Your Way: A Resource Guide Designed to Help Facilitate Inclusive Recreation in Your Community.
Resources Overview: Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability

Share the path

If you are lucky enough to have access to multi-use recreational pathways and trails, consider it a wonderful privilege.  Many pathways go through parks and along rivers providing excellent scenery and a great place to be active and enjoy the outdoors.  These places provide not only a place to exercise, they provide a space away from city traffic so that people can enjoy the little snippets of natural scenery.  What may mar the enjoyment of these pathways is a lack of "trail etiquette" that can lead to frustration and sometimes conflict.

Whether you are new to outdoor exercise or a seasoned trail user, there are some tips you can keep in mind to ensure that everyone can have a pleasurable time outdoors:

• Stay to the right, pass on the left - Think of it as if you are a car on the road, yield to the oncoming traffic and wait until the path is clear before you pass.
• Call out "passing" or "on your left" as you approach - This lets the person you are about to pass know that you are behind them so they aren't startled or move into your path.  That being said, watch to make sure that they have heard you (maybe they're wearing headphones), so slow down to ensure that you pass them safely.
• Be aware of those passing you - If you hear someone call out or ring their bell, stay to the right and maybe even acknowledge you heard them with a wave.
• If you need to stop - Maybe you're winded or you just saw someone you know, be courteous and step off the path to make sure you avoid collisions.  For people who exercise in groups, two abreast is ideal, any more than that crowds the trail and makes collisions more likely to happen.  
• Watch for little kids and people walking their pets - Both can be unpredictable so be aware of your surroundings.
• Pay attention to what's around you - Not everyone is going to follow the same rules of etiquette as you do, so be observant and prepared to avoid potential collisions.

While most of us think of trails as being exclusively used for runners and cyclists, other sports like horseback riding, snowshoeing and cross country skiing for example, could also benefit from some trail etiquette so that all of us can exercise safely and have fun too.

References from the SIRC Collection: 

1. Bonner L, Habak A. Trail etiquette: 23 tips for winning friends, influencing people and avoiding conflict on the trails. Equus. July 2003;(309):54-58;60.
2. Devaughn M. Trail etiquette. Backpacker. April 1997;25(3):40.
3. Edwards S, McKenzie M. Snowshoeing [e-book]. Champaign, Ill.; United States: Human Kinetics Publishers; 1995.
4. Henderson J. Trail mix. Runner's World. December 1990;25(12):14.
5. Hendricks W, Ramthun R, Chavez D. The effects of persuasive message source and content on mountain bicyclists' adherence to trail etiquette guidelines. Journal Of Park & Recreation Administration. Fall 2001;19(3):38-61.
6. KENNEDY J. Rules of the Trail. Bicycle Paper. June 2009;38(4):1-3.

Bouldering for kids

We've heard over and over that today's youth are less physically active than they have been in previous years. Local parks are an important part of improving public health by combating obesity and sedentary lifestyles. But just because we have access to parks, doesn't necessarily mean they get used. Many local playgrounds have recently been criticized for being too safe and boring - especially for kids 10 and over. Children are natural climbers - from the time they learn to walk, they climb anything and everything; chairs, stairs, fences and trees - you name it. Many communities are catching on and are now embracing a new trend to get children using the park again - artificial boulders for climbing.

What's the difference between bouldering and roped climbing?

Bouldering - involves climbing short routes, usually no more than 4-5 metres off of the ground and doesn't involve ropes. It usually involves a greater concentration of dynamic moves (requires explosive power) and generally relies more on upper body strength. Bouldering walls and structures tend to be lower in cost and allow for a greater number of active climbers at one time. Spotting should be employed for all bouldering activities.

Roped Climbing - Top roping and lead climbing involve longer routes, taller structures which require the use of a harness, a belay rope and a spotter (belayer). Roped climbing can be done indoors or outdoors and varies in difficulty and skill level. It will improve cardiovascular health and increase muscle tone. Because of the increase in risk and difficulty, it is important to train with a professional before attempting this type of climbing.

How can I get my children involved?

Bouldering structures are found more commonly in indoor climbing facilities although their popularity is increasing for inclusion in outdoor parks and playgrounds. These structures can vary in height, difficulty, shape and may or may not include handholds. Bouldering structures that are in parks tend to blend in with their environment which adds to the experience.

If you are a parent or teacher, getting kids involved in climbing is easier if you include games for them to play. This will keep them interested and engaged in climbing as well as help them to develop various movement skills. Rock climbing is excellent for increasing physical health as it works every part of your body, including your brain. It helps children with self-confidence, strength, discipline, teamwork, communication and includes a sense of accomplishment when they reach the top.

If there are no climbing structures in your community, look for an indoor facility - many offer day passes, group rates, or allow you to host birthday parties at a relatively low cost. When supervising any of these activities, parents and instructors should be aware of the risks and follow general safety precautions.

References from the SIRC Collection: 

1. Baláš J, Strejcová B, Malý T, Malá L, Martin A. Changes in upper body strength and body composition after 8 weeks indoor climbing in youth. Isokinetics & Exercise Science. September 2009;17(3):173-179.
2. Fend M, Muras J, Steffen J, Battista R, Elfessi A. Physiological Effects of Bouldering Activities in Upper Elementary School Students. Physical Educator. Early Winter2011 2011;68(4):199-209.
3. Humphries D. Proportions of activities in a climbing gym. British Journal Of Sports Medicine. December 2001;35(6):450. 
4. Kids Flock to Rocks. Parks & Recreation. September 2006;41(9):128. 
5. Lynnes M, Temple V. Inclusive Artificial Wall Climbing. Physical & Health Education Journal. Summer2008 2008;74(2):6-11.
6. Niegl G. Bouldering: one of the last sports defying technology? Interview with Kilian Fischhuber. Sports Technology. April 2010;2(3/4):63-65.
7. Prager K. Climbing-Wall Creative. Parks & Recreation. July 2008;43(7):46-51.