Key concepts

Here are some of the key ideas you will need to understand in this module.

Use your mouse or keyboard to expand each of the headings below.

Definitions of recreation, leisure and sport

The definitions of recreation, leisure, and sport refer to many activities, here the following definitions are used:

  • Recreation refers to all those activities that people choose to do to refresh their bodies and minds and make their leisure time more interesting and enjoyable. Examples of recreation activities are walking, swimming, meditation, reading, playing games and dancing
  • Leisure refers to the free time that people can spend away from their everyday responsibilities in work and domestic tasks to rest, relax and enjoy life. It is during leisure time that people participate in recreation and sporting activities.
  • Sport refers to any type of organized physical activity such as football, rugby, soccer, basketball and athletics.
Recreation, leisure and sports in the community

The concept of leisure time is not always well understood, nor is it a priority. Indeed, many activities that are considered recreational in some places are a means of livelihood in other places.

In most communities, the type of recreational and sporting activities people participate in are determined by age, gender, and local context. Leisure time is also likely to be based around cultural activities, such as traditional dance, storytelling, religious festivals and events, and visiting entertainment troupes. In some communities there are no designated places for leisure, such as community centres and sports stadiums, so people gather in places of worship, tea shops, houses and open spaces.

The benefits of participation

Participation in recreation and sports activities can have many benefits for both the individual and community. These include:

  • Health promotion and disease prevention: by relieving stress, increasing fitness, improving health and preventing chronic diseases
  • Skills development

    Awareness raising, reduction of stigma and social inclusion: by bringing people together and giving them the opportunity to promote a positive image of disability

  • Empowerment: see the Empowerment module for more.
Recreation and sport are complementary with other opportunities
While the many benefits of recreation and sporting activities have been highlighted, it is important to remember that they should not be used as a substitute for access to other opportunities, such as education or livelihood.
Enabling access to recreation, leisure and sport

With a little creativity and flexibility, activities and equipment can be adapted at minimal or no cost to ensure the inclusion and participation of people with disabilities. This can be done by adapting the rules of scoring system of games, using local materials to make inexpensive equipment or pairing players to play together.