“…sports opportunities for people with disabilities should focus on how to construct opportunities that emphasize the sports ability of participants rather than their disability” (Nixon, p. 417).
This statement really hits home for me. As most of you should already know by now, I do not relate well to topics about sports nor do I watch them. So leave it to me to take a paper that is sports related and twist it so that it is not…
Anyways, this quote hits home because I have two relatives who have a disability; a cousin and an uncle. As my dad would say, “when I was a young lad” I did not notice being different from them until I got older. By then I had become so accustomed to who they were and how they reacted in different situations. At family gatherings, my cousin would always want to lead the prayer before eating and then would serenade us with a strange rendition of Phantom of the Opera. My uncle is very much into reading and would ask us if we remembered the story of the “Battle of Little Big Horn” or “Tecumseh”. Of course I am not a history buff either, but he would then go on to tell us parts that he read from a book, even if it was over a year ago.
Now when it comes to constructing opportunities to emphasize their ability, I have several examples. My cousin, who lives with my aunt, is very good at hearing a song once, and being able to repeat the words. Now see that I said repeat the words and not sing the song. My aunt loves going to plays and musicals, so she takes any chance she gets to take my cousin with her. My uncle lives with my grandmother. My uncle loves to read and learn about history; my grandmother loves to travel, so she takes him to various places with a rich history so he can actually see the places he reads about.
I really appreciate your little 'twist' on this sports paper becuase I think it is still important to sport in a variety of ways. The biggest on for me that that I feel that sports is a great stage that can be used to break down the barriers and stigmas that occur in every day life. If we can support and find the ability for those with disabilities and focus on the positive through sport, it will become common places for individuals in the same situations in say the business or corporate world.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your sharing about these stories relating to disability. Although "Sport" is in the title of our class, I believe the emphasis should really be on the "Society" aspect, because we are using sport as an entry point for examining society. And I think Sarah has also alluded to that. Good entry and comment!
ReplyDeleteKallie, I really liked this post. I have a family member who is "disabled" as well. personally, I consider him "differently abled" I don't really like the term disabled because it sounds like you are saying the person has no abilities at all. My cousin is in a wheel chair and unable to use his legs. But has incredible upperbody strength and can get around just fine with or without his chair. I honestly feel than he can move around better than I can at times. I feel that everyone should have the chance to show the abilities they do have and this should be encouraged. Everyone has abilities in some way.
ReplyDelete