The evolution of inclusion and diversity standards in sport

1 year back Kesia Araujo 10 minutes reading time

Sports are an important space for promoting inclusion and diversity. The rules of sports are changing to ensure equality for all. This change benefits society as a whole.

THE accessibility In sports, it goes beyond the physical. It changes how we think. Today, more athletes of different backgrounds and abilities are participating. This inspires and breaks down social barriers.

A major change was the extension of the Sports Incentive Law until 2027. Companies can now deduct up to 2% from their taxes on inclusive sports projects. This helps promote more diversity in sport.

The role of sport in promoting social inclusion

Sport is very important for social integration. It offers opportunities for personal growth and overcoming obstacles. A study of 25 physical education professionals showed how sports programs help underserved communities in Rio de Janeiro.

Playing sports in schools helps combat sedentary lifestyles and encourages healthy habits from an early age. More active children have better intellectual development and are more motivated. They also integrate better into society.

Sports also improve mood, concentration, and focus. This happens because it releases chemicals in the brain.

Sport brings physical and mental benefits. It also develops important social skills. Cooperation, communication, and respect for rules are some of these skills.

These experiences promote tolerance and respect for differences. This helps in social integration.

Sports programs are essential for the social inclusion in Brazil. They help young people in underprivileged communities. Sports are a refuge for them.

It encourages cooperation and resilience, contributing to the development of citizenship and cognitive development in young people.

History of inclusion in sport: from its origins to the Paralympics

The story of adapted sport began after the war. Wounded soldiers began participating in inclusive sports. This led to the creation of Paralympics. The first Paralympics was in 1960, in Rome, with 400 athletes from 23 countries.

In 1976, Toronto hosted the Paralympics, with 1,657 athletes from 40 countries. Goalball made its debut that year. In 2000, in Sydney, 3,879 athletes from 123 countries competed in 18 sports, including the women's debut in weightlifting.

Brazil began competing in the Paralympics in 1972. In 1976, he won his first medal. Since then, the country has improved a lot in adapted sport. In 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil won 72 medals and finished in eighth place.

Year	Location	Medals from Brazil
2008	Beijing	47
2012	London	43
2016	Rio de Janeiro	72

To the Paralympics They improved adapted sports and physical education in schools. Now, the approach is inclusive, demonstrating the progress of inclusive sports in society.

Legal advances and public policies for inclusion in sports

THE sports legislation in Brazil it changed to protect the rights of people with disabilitiesThe 2006 Sports Incentive Law helps sports and parasports with tax resources.

These policies have significantly improved inclusion. In Brazil, 94% of the gold medals at the Paralympic Games come from the Bolsa Atleta program. This program supports both Paralympic and Olympic athletes. In 19 Olympic sports, all athletes receive the Bolsa Atleta program.

The government invests heavily in sports. During the 2013-2016 Olympic season, it invested over R$3.2 billion. Lotteries like Timemania and Loteca help fund state sports and Olympic committees.

The Ministry of Sports was created in 2003, demonstrating the importance of sports. Sports help improve people's lives by developing important values.

Indicator	Value
Increase in hearings with parliamentarians	73,91%
Growth of projects under the Sports Incentive Law	29%
Requests for Technical Budget Analysis (until April 2024)	611
Proposals registered via parliamentary amendments	712

Despite progress, challenges remain. Gender equality in sports faces challenges of access and recognition. accessibility for people with disabilities and the cost of sports activities are major obstacles.

Adapted Physical Education: concepts and practices

THE inclusive physical education has evolved significantly, striving for the development of all students. It is divided into two parts: adapted and inclusive physical education. In adapted physical education, students with disabilities participate in separate activities. In inclusive physical education, everyone participates in the same activities together.

The goal is to improve students' affect, thinking, and movement, regardless of their physical condition. adaptation of activities is key for everyone to participate and benefit.

To implement the inclusive physical education, it is important to promote accessibilityThis means creating environments and activities that everyone can use, without the need for special adaptations.

Recent studies show that this approach works. Costa (2015) studied the inclusion of visually impaired students in physical education classes. Fiorini and Manzini (2014) discussed the challenges and what is needed to train teachers for this type of inclusion.

It's important to be flexible with resources and rules to accommodate each student. For example, creating new adapted sports can help include all students.

Benefits of Inclusive Physical Education	Implementation Strategies
Motor development	Equipment adaptation
Social integration	Relaxation of rules
Increased self-esteem	Teacher training
Improved quality of life	Individualized assessment

THE inclusive physical education goes beyond being a trend. It is a necessity for a fair and egalitarian society. It promotes social inclusion and the comprehensive development of all.

Inclusion in sport: from adaptation to universality

THE sport for all is growing in Brazil, bringing inclusion and diversity. This began in the 1920s, when adapted sports for people with disabilities began to emerge. Since then, the country has made significant progress in sports inclusion.

In 1960, the Paralympic Games helped develop adapted sports in Brazil. Today, the country is a leader in Paralympic sports, with a focus on wheelchair basketball, widely practiced here.

Adapting the rules is key to including everyone. wheelchair basketball, matches last 40 minutes and have 10 players per team. The chairs are designed for easy movement, following the rules of the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation.

Year	March
1920	Emergence of adapted sports modalities
1960	Start of the Paralympic Games
1972	Brazil's first participation in the Paralympic Games
1976	First Brazilian Paralympic medal
2015	Brazilian Law for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities

Sports are crucial for the inclusion of people with disabilities. They aid development, rehabilitation, and independence. Furthermore, they improve social interaction and self-esteem. To advance, we need to invest in infrastructure, training, and policies that ensure access for all.

Adapted sports: modalities and rules

Adapted sports emerged to allow people with disabilities to participate in sports activities. These adaptations aim to provide equal opportunities for participation and development in sports. five-a-side football It is a sport for blind people that uses a ball with a bell and has goalkeepers and callers without visual impairment.

THE wheelchair basketball It's popular among people with physical and motor disabilities. The chairs are adapted, and the rules are modified to ensure inclusion and fair play. This modality encourages social interaction and the development of motor skills.

Others sports adaptations These include sitting volleyball, which improves aerobic fitness and reasoning. Adapted swimming helps develop flexibility and improves the cardiovascular system.

Modality	Adaptation	Benefits
Five-a-side football	Ball with bell, goalkeepers and callers without visual impairment	Development of spatial orientation and teamwork
Wheelchair basketball	Adapted chairs and modified rules	Improved upper limb strength and motor coordination
Sitting volleyball	Players sitting on the floor	Core strengthening and increased aerobic endurance
Adapted swimming	Specific techniques and equipment	Improved flexibility and cardiovascular fitness

Before beginning adapted sports, it's essential to undergo a medical evaluation. This ensures that the chosen activity is appropriate for the participant's physical condition. Furthermore, it's important to have supervision from a qualified professional during practice.

The role of the teacher in promoting sports inclusion

THE teacher training is essential for sports inclusion. They must create strategies that serve all students. When planning, it's important to consider diversity and adapt activities so everyone can participate.

A study by the Ministry of Sports (2004) shows that pedagogy is key to success. Teachers must possess pedagogical skills in addition to technical knowledge. This helps achieve sociopolitical goals and adapt content to the student.

Physical education classes can strengthen relationships and include vulnerable students and those with disabilities. Teachers should create an inclusive environment, adapting activities to each student's needs.

“Education aims to prepare the individual for life, transmitting values, beliefs and knowledge of society, ensuring the full exercise of citizenship.” – Roitman (2001)

Sports can change social dynamics, increasing confidence and self-esteem. Teachers should use sports to combat prejudice and promote values such as empathy and respect.

Benefits of Inclusive Sport	Role of the Teacher
Development of motor and cognitive skills	Adapt activities to individual needs
Improved self-esteem and motivation	Create an environment of support and encouragement
Promotion of social values	Encourage cooperation and mutual respect
Inclusion of diverse groups	Implement inclusive strategies in planning

Assistive technologies in sports: innovations for inclusion

Innovation in sports has changed the lives of many Brazilians with disabilities. Assistive technologies help include and improve performance in adapted sports. For example, Samsung's Blind Cap swimming caps, used at the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics, help blind athletes with vibrations.

Equipment for athletes with disabilities is constantly improving. Wheelchairs made by BMW allow para-athletes to run over 40 km/h. Advanced prosthetic technology improves these athletes' performance.

To improve sports for people with disabilities, many professionals work together. The Brazilian Reference Center for Technological Innovations for Paralympic Sports (CINTESP.Br) leads this research. With government support, the center works with more than 60 researchers to improve the lives and performance of para-athletes.

Despite advances, challenges remain. Some technologies, such as robotic legs, are expensive and limit access. The Brazilian Law for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities seeks to guarantee rights, including access to sports. With more resources for assistive technology, more athletes, like Jovane Guissone, can benefit from these innovations.

See also: What are the new sports at the 2024 Olympics?