Abstract

Physical activity patterns developed during youth appear to be critical for developing long-term physical activity habits (Robertson-Wilson et al., 2003; Shephard, 1991; Zick et al., 2007). The psychosocial benefits of sport and physical activity are similar for both non-disabled and disabled populations (Dattilo et al., 1998; Malone et al., 2012). These benefits include enhanced self-esteem (Kosma et al., 2002), reduced clinical depression (Hutchinson et al., 2003; Kleiber et al., 2002), improved family and social interactions, and a sense of community belonging (Dattilo et al., 1998; Goodwin and Staples, 2005; Goodwin, et al., 2011, Levins et al., 2004).