Overcoming Fear Through Sport

Paralympian Madison de Rozario ...

    As an athlete, there are many physical and mental benefits to participating in sports. I am a track and field runner who has also played soccer, surf, and swim. In this range of athletics, the track has definitely been the most mentally + physically challenging but also the most rewarding as well. As an athlete, a physical benefit is cardiovascular health; regular movements strengthen the mind and the body, also increasing endurance, as well as regulating blood pressure and lowering risks of illness when older. Another advantage is fatigue management; consistent physical activity increases energy levels that improve circulation through the body, which makes your body more used to fatigue, helping you maintain energy and improve sleep. On the other hand, the mental benefits are just as great. It was stated in Academia article called "The Paralympic movement: Using sports to promote health, disability rights, and social integration for athletes" that "Available evidence has shown physical activity and sports to be beneficial for people with disabilities across domains of self-esteem, self-perceived quality of life, self-efficacy, body image, empowerment, and motivation for continued involvement" (Blauwet, 2025). This statement tells us how a lot of sports are mentally demanding, but that helps build one's mental toughness. Sports are also well known for reducing stress and anxiety. Being in a sport also helps with coping with challenges by developing emotional regulation and resilience. It also develops discipline, focus, and determination. These benefits are all meaningful in other areas of life outside of sport, that improves the quality of living.

    Participating in a competitive sport is, in general, already a nerve-racking and hard task to complete, and being disabled adds to the fear of trying something new like a sport. The first thing I would do to try to make them feel comfortable with doing sports is not dismiss the fear they have; I would acknowledge it. Trying something new can be difficult for anyone. I would make sure to reassure them that sports are about getting better for yourself and not just forcing them to do something they are not happy doing.  It is not about competing at the highest level; it is about the personal growth they experience in accomplishing going out there and participating in something that is bigger than themselves. Accomplishing small milestones can build a strong sense of achievement. Another aspect is feeling isolated. I would mention how there are so many opportunities to meet new people with similar struggles and form connections. If they deal with stress, I would explain to them how physical activity can help dopamine levels and relieve built-up frustration. Everyone has to start somewhere, and nobody is the perfect person.

   Depending on their disability, it would switch around what sports I may recommend to my friend. In my opinion, I would always recommend track, it is an easy accommodated sport that can be done by anyone, visually, intellectually, or physically impaired. There are so many different events that can be competed in since there are so many different distances, like sprinting, mile, and jumping. They do not need to commit to something long-term; it is just about giving Track a chance. With the right support and mindset, participating in track can lead to improved physical and mental health. Creating higher confidence and a sense of belonging that can truly change the person that they are. 

References

Blauwet, C. (2025, May 7). The paralympic movement: Using sports to promote health, disability rights, and social integration for athletes with disabilities. Academia.edu. https://www.academia.edu/33368110/The_paralympic_movement_Using_sports_to_promote_health_disability_rights_and_social_integration_for_athletes_with_disabilities?auto=citations&from=cover_page

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