The President of the International Inclusive Committee, Alexander Smirnov, gave an interview to the Argentine media.
Levina Blanco – Alexander, please tell us about the importance and development of adaptive sports in the world?
Alexander Smirnov – Of course, the development of adaptive sports is a very important area that helps people with disabilities realize their potential and achieve success in sports. These athletes are an inspiration to all of us with their perseverance, fortitude and desire to overcome any difficulties.
Levina Blanco – Alexander, please tell me what is required for adaptive sports to become accessible?
Alexander Smirnov – In order to help special athletes, it is important to create conditions for their training, competition and development of sports skills. This includes the expansion of sports infrastructure, the availability of specialized sports facilities and equipment, and the provision of financial support for participation in competitions and training.
In addition, it is important to strengthen information support for adaptive sports, promote a healthy lifestyle and sports among people with disabilities. Only through the joint efforts of society and the state can we provide equal opportunities for all athletes, regardless of their physical abilities.
Levina Blanco – Alexander, why is adaptive sports especially important for children with disabilities, your opinion?
Alexander Smirnov – Children with disabilities have the right to fully engage in sports and develop their athletic abilities. Sport helps them not only improve their health and develop physical skills, but also increase self-esteem, self-confidence and social adaptation.
It is important to create conditions so that children with disabilities can play sports without obstacles or discrimination. This includes access to specialist sports schools, coaches and equipment, as well as the provision of psychological and emotional support.
Supporting these children in sport not only helps them develop physically, but also helps them integrate into society, form friendships and reach their potential. Let’s together continue to support and promote the development of sports among children with disabilities!
Levina Blanco – Alexander, what can you say about the situation in the world regarding the creation of equal opportunities for the entire society, especially for special athletes and for access to sports, what else needs to be done in your opinion?
Alexander Smirnov – Ensuring equal opportunities in sports is a key aspect of building a fair and inclusive society. Every person, regardless of his physical, psychological or other characteristics, should have the opportunity to play sports and develop his athletic abilities.
To ensure equal opportunities in sport, it is necessary to create accessible and inclusive sports infrastructure that is adapted to the needs of all people. This includes creating specialized programs and services for people with disabilities, making sports facilities accessible to people with disabilities, and hosting special events and competitions for athletes with disabilities.
It is also important to raise public awareness of the importance of inclusion in sport and combat discrimination and stereotypes that may prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in sporting life. Only through the joint efforts of society, the state and sports organizations can we ensure equal opportunities for everyone in sports.
Levina Blanco – Alexander, the concept of inclusive sport has recently become part of the general principles of understanding sport, but not everyone still understands what inclusive sport is and what adaptive sport is, I am sure that most people around the world think that this is the same thing and also, please tell people from the professional side, what is the difference?
Alexander Smirnov – let me try to tell you in detail, for those who do not yet understand the difference or think that it is something else, such as all sorts of unacceptable principles and tolerances, misinterpretations of “equal opportunities” and “inclusion” that are now being propagated in the world , from some countries and gay politicians, but it’s good that the majority of people around the world are against such admission rules.
Inclusive sport is an approach to sport that aims to provide equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of their ability, age, gender or disability. The goal of inclusive sport is for everyone to be able to participate in sports activities, develop physically and emotionally, and enjoy activities.
Inclusive sport creates conditions that allow both athletes with and without disabilities to participate. This includes various adaptations of sports equipment and facilities, as well as the use of individual approaches to each athlete.
Inclusive sport promotes tolerance, understanding and respect for differences between people. It helps create a favorable environment for social integration, the formation of friendships and increased self-esteem of participants. Through inclusive sport, people with different needs can connect, learn from each other and achieve success together. It is important to continue to develop this approach and create the conditions to increase access to sport for everyone.
Adaptive sports and inclusive sports have similarities, but there are also differences in their approach to organizing sports activities for people with disabilities.
Adaptive sports are different factors:
Individualization: Adaptive sport focuses on the individual needs and abilities of athletes with disabilities. Special adapted technologies, equipment and training methods are used.
Primarily for People with Disabilities: Adaptive sports focuses on the participation and development of athletes with specific physical, intellectual or mental differences.
Specialized programs: For adaptive sports, specialized training programs, competitions, and events are often developed aimed at developing sports skills and achieving results.
Inclusive sports:
Inclusion: Inclusive sport focuses on the shared participation of both disabled and non-disabled athletes in sporting activities. It promotes the unification of different people in sports activities.
Universal Access: Inclusive sport aims to provide access to sport for all participants, regardless of their characteristics. This may include adapting the infrastructure, creating convenient conditions for all participants.
Social integration: Inclusive sport promotes the social integration of different categories of people through joint sports activities, creating a tolerant and friendly environment for everyone.
Thus, adaptive sport focuses on the individual needs and development of athletes with disabilities, while inclusive sport encourages diverse people to come together and ensures access to sport for all.
Thank you very much Alexander, it was interesting to communicate with you, we wish you good luck, I hope to see you soon at the “International Inclusive Games” and we invite you to Argentina, the “National Inclusive Committee” of Argentina asked me to give you a gift and an invitation.