Sports are among the most essential activities that contribute to individuals’ physical, social, and psychological development. However, the lack of suitable infrastructure and supportive policies reduces participation rates in sports activities for young people with intellectual disabilities. According to TÜİK 2023 data, there are approximately 1.5 million individuals in Turkiye with intellectual disabilities or learning difficulties. However, only 10% of them regularly participate in sports activities. Yet, developing inclusive sports opportunities can enable these individuals to become more active in society, build self-confidence, and support their physical health. In this article, we will explore the most effective ways to increase sports opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

One of the most crucial factors facilitating sports participation for individuals with intellectual disabilities is the creation of accessible sports facilities. Simple and easy-to-understand signage, user-friendly sports equipment, and quiet areas can help these individuals use facilities more comfortably. International reports also highlight that accessibility improvements in sports facilities increase participation rates among individuals with intellectual disabilities. One exemplary initiative in Turkiye is the sports centers for individuals with disabilities established by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB). Under the projects led by the İBB Directorate of Services for Persons with Disabilities (İSEM), facilities have been developed to enhance accessibility to sports activities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Similarly, the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality offers specialized sports programs such as swimming, gymnastics, and table tennis for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities. Additionally, the Turkish Special Athletes Sports Federation (TÖSSFED) runs the “Barrier-Free Sports Schools” project, providing free sports training for individuals with intellectual disabilities in 20 different cities.
Expanding community-based sports programs can strengthen social interactions for individuals with intellectual disabilities and encourage continuous sports participation. European Union studies have shown that community-based sports programs have a positive impact on social integration and health. As part of the DigiLab project, various tools are being developed to promote the participation of individuals with intellectual disabilities in sports activities and to support volunteering efforts in this field. These tools aim to enhance the capacity of young people, youth workers, and institutions working in this area to engage with individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. In the Erasmus+ KA220-YOU project “Together We Play: Volunteer Initiative (DigiLAB),” coordinated by TÖSSFED and involving our association as a partner, innovative training materials are being developed to encourage volunteers to take an active role in sports activities with individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Professional support is vital in ensuring a safe and supportive environment for individuals with intellectual disabilities in sports activities. Programs led by sports psychologists, occupational therapists, and specially trained coaches help create personalized exercise plans and maintain motivation, which can increase participation rates. In Turkey, the Ministry of Youth and Sports implements special training programs for individuals with disabilities under the “Sports for All” projects. These programs aim to diversify sports activities for individuals with disabilities and ensure they can engage in regular physical exercise under the guidance of specialized coaches.

Technological advancements also provide significant tools to facilitate the participation of individuals with intellectual disabilities in sports activities. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications can assist in developing motor skills and adapting more easily to physical activities. In Turkiye, the Foundation for the Education and Protection of Mentally Handicapped Children (ZİÇEV) organizes various sports activities using VR and AR technologies for individuals with special educational needs. These projects allow individuals with intellectual disabilities to engage in virtual sports, improving their coordination and adapting to physical activities.

Families play a critical role in encouraging their children to participate in sports and ensuring the sustainability of this process. Raising awareness in society and creating volunteer programs that support individuals with disabilities in sports can also increase family involvement. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other international institutions emphasize that family and community support positively affect sustained participation in physical activity. In Turkey, various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and municipalities run projects that include families in the process. For instance, the “Barrier-Free Life Centers” organize sports training sessions for both individuals with disabilities and their families, ensuring sustainable participation in sports activities. Within the DigiLab project, awareness-raising seminars have been organized, and special sports programs for young individuals with disabilities have been developed with volunteer support.

Increasing sports participation among individuals with intellectual disabilities not only benefits their physical health but also contributes to their social integration. According to data from TÜİK and TÖSSFED, with appropriate infrastructure and supportive policies, participation rates in sports activities among individuals with intellectual disabilities can increase by up to 40%. Therefore, steps should be taken to establish accessible facilities, organize community-based sports programs, work with expert staff, utilize technology, and strengthen family and community support. These measures will ensure that individuals with intellectual disabilities engage in sports regularly and improve their quality of life.
You can also contribute by raising awareness and participating in volunteer activities to support the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in sports!