7 Inclusive sports and recreation
Article 30, 5 (b) of UNCRPD obliges State parties to recognise the rights of Persons with Disabilitues to participate equally in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sports. It calls for equal opportunity to participate and have access to mainstream recreational, leisure, and sporting activities. Sports have been found to promote physical health, foster social inclusion, acquisition of vital skills, and mental well-being. In the process PWDs become independent, empowered agents of change, communicate effectively, and become greater team players.
The Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) Act of 2014 established the BNSC to oversee and promote sports development in the country. The Act emphasis inclusivity as well as promotion of PWDs in sport. It effectively mandates BNSC to actively work towards integrating PWDs into all levels of sports participation
In Botswana disability sport is advanced through Paralympic Association of Botswana (PASSOBO) and Special Olympics Botswana. PASSOBO established in 2000, serves as the national governing body for sports for PWDs in Botswana. It is affiliated with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the African Sports Confederation of Disabled (ASCOD), and the BNSC. With 37 affiliates across the country, it organizes competitions and promotes awareness to empower individuals with disabilities through sports.
Special Olympics Botswana was founded in 1981 and accredited by Special Olympics, Inc. in 1985. It provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The organization aims to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and foster a sense of community among participants
Recreational and sporting facilities in Botswana are not accessible for people with disabilities. Only a few sporting codes accommodate people with disabilities, but facilities are not inclusive and accessible. Moreover, there are limited trained coaches and facilities, funding and policy gaps in disability sports.
