VALUE OF ADAPTED ATHLETICS
Interscholastic adapted athletics is definitely an important dimension in the education of the whole person. Students with varying types of disabilities compete co-educationally while representing their school district or combination of school districts. Students who participate on a school team assume an obligation to model exemplary behavior not only for themselves, but also for those whom they represent. Athletic awards earned by an athlete with a disability, represent not only participation by the student in a specified amount of interscholastic play, but also good citizenship which is expected of all athletes. Interscholastic athletics are intended to give student athletes the opportunity to discover and/or improve the following:
Goal setting
Pride and self-confidence
Friendships
Leadership and teamwork
Competitiveness
Graciousness (win or lose)
Physical condition/wellness
Concentration and intensity
A sense of community and belonging,
Commitment and dedication
(Taken from the Metropolitan Assn for Adapted Athletics.)